State warns about deadly dangers of hot cars

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » Three state offices — the Division of Consumer Protection, the Office for Children and Family Services, and the Department of Health — recently issued a warning about the perils of leaving children and pets in cars during hot days.

In addition to the real and potentially lethal danger of leaving children or pets in hot cars, the caregiver could be culpable under child endangerment laws. Officials noted that 819 children have died nationwide due to Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH) since 1998. Ten of these were in New York state, according to a news release.

Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection, said, “All of these tragic deaths could have been prevented. I urge caregivers to put in place whatever steps or reminders are necessary to ensure that children and pets are not inadvertently put in danger.”

OCFS Commissioner Sheila Poole said, “It’s imperative to look before you lock, and remember to check the back seat before walking away from your car. Infants and little children are especially sensitive to extreme heat and their body temperature can increase three to five times faster than an adult’s if they are left in a hot vehicle.”

A body temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit is considered deadly. On a clear 85 degree Fahrenheit day, the temperature of an enclosed motor vehicle can rise to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes, 119 degrees in half an hour, and 128 degrees in one hour.

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Extreme heat can cause specific health challenges and requires extra precautions to ensure kids and pets stay safe. Hot summer days can very quickly lead to heatstroke and are a reminder to take the extra steps for a safe drop- off.”

OCFS and the Department of Health urge parents, guardians and other caregivers to abide by these tips:

• Never leave a child in an unattended vehicle in the warm

weather, not even with the windows slightly open or down, due to the risk of heatstroke.

• If you see a child in a hot car, call 911 right away and follow instructions. Emergency personnel are trained to respond.

• Teach children not to play in or around vehicles and to alert an adult when a friend is playing in a vehicle without supervision.

• Place a stuffed toy in your child’s car seat when not in use and move the toy to the front passenger seat when your child is in his/ her car seat as a reminder that your child is in the vehicle.

• Conversely, place something in the backseat that you would need, such as a purse, briefcase or cell phone.

• When driving with a child in a vehicle, use drivethrough services whenever possible.

• Double- check the car to make sure that all occupants leave the vehicle or are carried out when unloading. Locking the door with an actual key, as opposed to a remote or key fob, would force the driver to take one last look in the car before leaving it.

• Always lock your car and keep keys and remotes away from children.

• Set cellphone reminders to ensure children have been safely transported to their destination(s).

• Have a plan in place to ensure your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up.