‘Look Before You Lock’ campaign warns about the dangers of heatstroke for kids in cars

Summer has returned with a vengence and we all know that temperatures can be pretty high here in Tampa. These warm temperatures are why most of us live here, but be cautious, while the warm Florida weather offers a welcome opportunity to put on a bathing suit and go outside, it can also be lethal.

In 2011 at least 33 children died in heatstroke-related deaths when they were left in unattended vehicles. Heatstroke in vehicles is the leading cause of all non-crash related deaths for children 14 and younger. It represents 61% of total non-crash fatalities in this age group. Most importantly, it is completely preventable.

The ELCHC, with support from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, has launched its first ever campaign to get the message out about the harmful and potentially fatal effects of leaving children in hot vehicles.

The ELCHC Look Before You Lock message asks parents and other caregiver to be mindful when leaving your vehicle.

Cars heat up very quickly in Florida and even with a window rolled down a few inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in as little as 10 minutes! Young children under 4-years-old are particularly at risk because their bodies overheat more easily. Hyperthermia, or highter than normal body temperatures, can cause seizures, organ damage, brain damage, stroke or even death.

Our call-to-action directed at parents, childcare providers, and everyone who cares about the safety of children. Everyone in the community has a role to play in keeping kids safe.

The ELCHC is distributing vehicle window clings that can be placed on the driver side window to remind you to look in the vehicle backseat before locking and/or leaving your vehicle. We are also offering a Safety Tip card that offers various methods and suggestions for keeping kids safe.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK SAFETY TIPS

• Never leave infants or young children unattended in a vehicle; not even for a minute.
• Make it a habit to look around your vehicle, front and back, before exiting, locking or walking way.
• Keep a large stuffed animal in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the car seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It’s visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.
• Make arrangements with your child’s child care center or family home provider or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled.
• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

We challenge you to bring these points to light with other parents and caregivers in hopes that our simple tips will save lives and help families avoid unnecessary heartache. As everyone who cares for children can tell you, life can reach a hectic pace very quickly and mistakes are easily made. But don’t make a mistake with the life of a child. Remember to LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK !

If you would like to serve as an ambassador for our Look Before You Lock campaign we would welcome your advocacy on this issue. Stop by our office to pick up window decals and brochures to help spread awareness about this child safety initiative. If you have questions call us at (813) 202-1000.