Tulsa Police Give Safety Tips For Preventing Summer Tragedy

In light of recent child deaths from being left in a hot car and the already&nbsp;steamy weather, Tulsa Police and Safe Kids have issued reminders for good summer safety practices. <br /><br /><a href="/global/story.asp?s=12549045">Toddler Found Dead in Car Outside Meeker Day Care</a>

Thursday, June 17th 2010, 2:49 pm

By: News On 6


NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- In light of recent child deaths from being left in a hot car and the already steamy weather, Tulsa Police and Safe Kids have issued reminders for good summer safety practices.

Did you know a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's? In only a few short minutes, a child can become dangerously overheated.

5/26/2010: Toddler Found Dead in Car Outside Meeker Day Care

Every year, more than 30 children die because they are alone in a car. In just 10 minutes a car's temperature can increase by 19 degrees – and it continues to rise.

There is no evidence that cracking the windows helps prevent the temperature in vehicle interiors from reaching dangerous levels. In fact, sunlight coming through car windows makes the car work like an oven.

Follow these tips to help prevent child injuries:

  • Dial 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car. EMS professionals are trained to determine if a child is in trouble.
  • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open.
  • Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or whatever is to be carried from the car on the floor in front of a child in a backseat. This triggers adults to see children when they open the rear door and reach for their belongings.
  • Set your cell phone or Blackberry reminder to be sure you dropped your child off at day care.
  • Set your computer calendar program, such as Outlook, to ask, "Did you drop off at daycare today?"
  • Have a plan that if your child is late for daycare that you will be called within a few minutes. Be especially careful if you change your routine for dropping off little kids at day care.
  • Teach children not to play in any vehicle.
  • Lock all vehicle doors and trunk after everyone has exited the vehicle – especially at home. Keep keys out of children's reach. Cars are not playgrounds or babysitters.
  • Check vehicles and trunks FIRST if a child goes missing.
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