With the heat of summer on the way, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Peachtree City, Georgia  is issuing a critical warning about the dangers of Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH), reminding the public that leaving a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car is never safe – regardless of the season. “It can happen to anyone,” warns the NWS. “Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Sitter… anyone can be affected by this tragedy.” The NWS emphasizes that 100% of hot car child deaths are preventable.

According to data spanning from 1998 to 2022, an average of 38 children die each year from heatstroke in vehicles. This translates to roughly two deaths per week during the summer months. The total PVH deaths since 1998 are 1,011. Tragically, statistics reveal that in a large percentage of cases (52%), the child was simply forgotten in the vehicle. Another 25% of deaths occur when children gain access to unlocked vehicles and become trapped. Even on seemingly mild days, the interior temperature of a car can quickly soar to dangerous levels, potentially exceeding 150°F and rising 50° higher than the outside temperature within 30 minutes. A child can die in as little as 10 minutes under these conditions.

The NWS urges all drivers to take the following precautions:

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a minute.

Always check the backseat before locking your car.

Leave your wallet, purse, or cell phone in the backseat as a reminder.

Keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach of children.

Make arrangements with your childcare provider to call you if your child is absent.

If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The message is clear: vigilance and awareness are critical to preventing these heartbreaking tragedies. For more information and resources on preventing pediatric vehicular heatstroke, visit NoHeatstroke.org.