HHS HealthBeat (August 16, 2012)

Look Before You Lock

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

How hot is it? It can be hot enough to kill, if a child is left in a closed car even a short time. It may be tempting to, for instance, let the baby sleep while you run into the store. However, at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, Linda Smith warns:

“Even on a relatively mild day, temperatures rise quickly in a closed vehicle. The windows act like a greenhouse, trapping the heat inside, and within 10 minutes can reach life-threatening temperatures.”

Smith says it can be deadly hot in 10 minutes even if the outside temperature is only 80 degrees. And she says children under 4 are most at risk.

Her agency reminds people, including day care providers, to be sure they have all the kids out of the vehicle. The slogan:  Look Before You Lock.

Learn more at healthfinder.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: August 15, 2012