In a May 16 press release, our CWS branch reminded parents and caregivers that leaving children unattended in a vehicle,
even for a few minutes, can result in death or injury to the child.
A car’s internal temperature can rise
above 100 degrees Fahrenheit even on seemingly cooler days, and can rapidly
reach fatal temperatures, increasing as much as 20 degrees in as little as 10
minutes. The younger the child, the faster they may succumb to the heat.
“Leaving a child unattended in a car for even a minute can
lead to heatstroke and even death,” said DSS Deputy Director Delfino Neira. “People
may forget there’s a child in the car, or mistakenly think that partially
rolling down the windows will keep the car cool. We want to remind parents to
remain alert and ensure no child is left unsupervised in the car.” Establishing a routine in the car can help,
observed Neira, referring parents to the following tips from the California
Office of Transportation Safety:
- Never leave your child unattended in a hot vehicle, not even for a minute.
- Before exiting your car, check the back seat, and lock all vehicle doors and the trunk—every time.
- For parents of young children, place an item needed item for your next stop, such as your cell phone or purse, on the floor in front of your child’s safety seat. This will remind you that your child is in the car when you retrieve the items.
- Do not give children access to keys or keyless entry devices, and teach your children that cars are not a place to play. If your child is missing, check all vehicles and trunks.
- If you see an unattended child in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately.
Child Welfare Services
assesses and investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect, offers
voluntary services to ensure child safety in the home and strengthen the
family, and arranges placements and services for children for whom a safe
return home is not possible. For more information on Child Welfare Services or
the Department of Social Services, visit
http://www.countyofsb.org/social_services.
