FOR MORE INFORMATION
healthychildren.org: Prevent Child Deaths in Hot Cars
nhtsa.gov: Child Heatstroke Prevention - Prevent Hot Car Deaths
safekids.org: Children Alone in Vehicles Can Quickly Lead to Tragedy
Hot Car Safety
The temperature inside a parked car can increase by 20°F in as little as ten minutes. In 2025 alone, 31 children died in vehicles due to heatstroke. Use the following strategies to help prevent hot car related injury or death.
If you see a child alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately. They will help determine if the child is in danger. If the child is showing signs of distress, get them out of the vehicle and cool them down as quickly as possible.
If the child is not in distress, remain with them and send someone else to find the vehicle's owner or ask the facility to page them.
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle related deaths in children under 15 years old. It can happen anywhere, at any time, and in temperatures as low as 57°F.
Never leave a child alone in a car, even for a short period of time. Cracking a window, parking in the shade, or turning on the air conditioner do not work well enough to cool the temperature inside of a parked car to keep a child safe.
Children's bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, making them more likely to suffer from heatstroke. Their bodies start to shut down when they reach a temperature of 104°F. Death can occur if their temperature reaches 107°F or more.
Always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle. Consider putting a personal item, such as a phone, wallet, backpack, purse, or briefcase, in the back seat to help serve as a reminder.
Also consider putting a stuffed animal or toy in the passenger seat to remind you to check the back seat.
Develop a plan to help create peace of mind. Text or call your child's caregivers after dropping them off at childcare or school. Ask the facility to call if your child is more than ten minutes late being dropped off.
Be extra cautious when there is a change to your routine. This could include taking a new route or someone else driving your child. Double check with the person who drove that your child arrived safely at their destination.
Keep your doors and trunk locked when parked. Store your car keys out of sight and reach of children. This will help prevent a child from climbing into the vehicle when it is not being used.
Teach your children that parked cars are not a safe place to play, sit, or sleep.
If your child is missing, look in areas of high danger first. Check your vehicle and trunk as quickly as possible to make sure your child is not trapped.
Do you have questions about car safety?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for answers to your questions.