BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Temperatures are rising across Gem State and AAA is reminding parents to take their children to air-conditioned buildings to avoid the risk of heat stroke.
On average, one child dies every seven days from being left behind in a hot car.
In 2019, 53 children died from heat stroke in the vehicle. A total of 882 children died from 1998 to 2020.
“A car interior can heat up 20 degrees in just ten minutes, and a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult,” said Matthew Conde, director of public affairs for AAA Idaho. “When it comes to child health and safety, there really aren’t any quick errands.”
Heat deaths can occur when the outside temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less, and a car interior can heat up quickly, even in a shady area and with the windows partially closed.
“Sometimes a caregiver forgets that a child is in the vehicle. Put something like a wallet or purse in the back seat as a reminder before you get out of your car, ”Conde said. “Keep your vehicles locked at home and put the keys out of reach. Never let children play in or near a parked vehicle, not even in the trunk. “
AAA reminds parents that red skin, headaches, nausea, and a lack of sweating despite being hot are all signs of heat stroke. See a doctor immediately.
“At triple-digit temperatures, the dangers of hot cars seem a little more obvious, but children are at risk in a hot car even when the outside temperature is relatively mild,” said Conde. “Please bring your children with you to the shop. They could get a little wild, but that’s a small price to pay to protect them. “
