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Summer’s here, and cars turn into rolling ovens faster than you can say “I forgot Junior in the back seat.” Every year, well-meaning parents and caregivers suffer the worst kind of “oops” when they leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a minute. Hot-car deaths—officially known as vehicular heatstroke—are 100% preventable, yet an average of 37 children in the U.S. still lose their lives this way each year. Let’s cut that number down to zero by getting smart about car safety and heat.
Why Your Car Is a Thermostat You Can’t Control
Think your cracked window saves the day? Think again. On a mild 70°F day, the interior of a parked car can hit 104°F in just 30 minutes—and 113°F before you’ve even finished your iced latte. Kids’ bodies heat up three times faster than adults’, so they don’t have time to play their internal A/C before things go south. Today’s takeaway: windows down ≠ safe; windows up ≠ safe; kids alone in cars = never safe.
The ACT Method to Outsmart Heatstroke
Safe Kids Johnston County and its partners have a simple mantra to remember—ACT. Treat it like your back-to-school checklist, but for summer.
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A – Avoid
Never leave kids, pets, or vulnerable adults alone in a vehicle—even if you “just run in for a sec.”
Lock your car every time you park. Curious kiddos can squeeze inside an unattended vehicle faster than you can lock your door.
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C – Create Reminders
Place your phone, purse, or work badge in the back seat when your little one is riding back there.
Stick a favorite stuffed animal in the passenger seat; when you buckle up your child, move the toy to the front as a visual cue to remove them.
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T – Take Action
Spot a lone child in a hot car? Don’t assume someone else called 911—dial it yourself. Emergency responders are trained for exactly this scenario. One quick phone call could save a life.
Signs of Heatstroke: Don’t Wait for Meltdown City
Kids can go from happy to utterly incapacitated in minutes. Watch for rapid pulse, vomiting, dizziness, or extreme fussiness. If they’re quiet and glazed over, treat it like a red alert—cool them off, call 911, and don’t wait for you-know-what to hit the fan.
Beyond the Car: Summer Safety Extras
Hydration Station: Make water as routine as sunscreen. Keep a refillable bottle in the car and at home.
Cool Zones: If you’re out and about, scout shaded areas or air-conditioned spots where the fam can recharge.
Heat-Ready Gear: Invest in window shades, sun-protective clothing, and portable fans for strollers.
Join the Next “Hot Car” Demo
Want to see how fast a car turns into a blistering furnace? Safe Kids Johnston County will stage another live demonstration at the Child Wellness & Resource Event on Saturday, July 19th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Partnership for Children office. It’s eye-opening, it’s free, and it just might save a life.
Hot-car deaths aren’t accidents—they’re preventable tragedies. This summer, let’s all be just a bit more vigilant. Lock the doors, set the reminders, and if you see something, say something (and call 911). Keeping kids safe doesn’t take a village—just a little common sense and the ACT mindset. Stay cool, stay cautious, and enjoy those sunny days without the meltdown.
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