Key West The Newspaper

Keys temperatures are great for the pool and the beach, but they’re not so good for the inside of cars, where the interior can rise to deadly temperatures in a very short period of time. Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition reminds caregivers to never leave children alone in cars.

According to the Children’s Safety Network, “Vehicles heat up very quickly, and that heat can be fatal to young children. Children are at a higher risk than adults of dying from heatstroke in a vehicle because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults’ (NHTSA). Children who are too young to communicate or open car doors are at particularly high risk from heatstroke in a vehicle (NHTSA). It is never safe to leave a child or children alone in a vehicle.”

Magnitude of the Problem According to NHTSA (2012):

• It only takes ten minutes for a car to reach deadly temperatures on an 80 degree day
• On average, 38 children die from vehicular heatstroke in the US each year
• The lowest known outside temperature at which heatstroke can occur is 57 degrees

Given the fact that summer temps in the Keys are well above 80 degrees, Keys children are at a higher risk of heatstroke when left in a car. “The key to preventing these tragedies is for every parent and caregiver to understand that this can happen to anybody,” said Leah Stockton, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition Community Liaison. “It can also be avoided with a little awareness and by taking a few simple precautions.”

There are a number of ways to avoid this tragedy.

• SafeKids.org suggests leaving an item of importance next to your child – including a briefcase, purse or cell phone, your left shoe – anything you need once you reach your destination.
• Make a habit of looking into all the seats of the vehicle before you exit or walk away.
• Set up a system with your child care provider. Have them call you if your child has not been dropped off at the normal time.
• Put a stuffed animal in the car seat when your child is not in it – when you put your child in the seat, take the animal out and put it next to you as a reminder.
• Use technology to help you.

-Create a calendar reminder to drop your child off at daycare.

-Purchase a car seat the “talks” to your car and reminds you that the baby is still in the seat.

-There are several apps, such as Precious Cargo, that provide heat warnings in vehicles which are extremely easy to use and will keep you constantly alert.

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is asking everyone to help protect kids by remembering to ACT:

• A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
• C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
• T: Take action. If you see a baby alone in a car, enter the establishment with the model, color and license of the vehicle and have the owner paged. Call 911 if the baby appears to be in physical distress.
  While FKHSC’s mission is to serve Florida Keys babies, many in our community have “furry babies” that are just as important. Please keep these tips in mind when caring for all babies and pets.

Any Monroe County parent who needs assistance with safety supplies or basic needs for their young children can contact Healthy Start at 305-293-8424. http://www.KeysHealthyStart.org