Five Tips to Help Avoid the Tragedy of Child Hyperthermia This Summer

broken window.jpg
flickr.com
Since 1998, more than 50 children have died after being left or forgotten in cars in Florida. More than 150 more have been injured. Nationwide, there are, on average, around 30 deaths a year, according to KidsAndCars.org, a Kansas-based group that compiles statistics on such cases. The punishments, when adults are charged with a crime, range from probation to 20 years in prison, the sentence for Antonio Balta after his 9-month-old daughter, Veronika, died in March 2004.
 
Each of these cases is a tragedy, of course, but one of the worst parts is that nearly every case could have been prevented with either awareness or the use of technology that's already available.

We'll have some more coverage of this topic later this month, but here is a list of safety tips parents can follow to help avoid this horrific accident.

  • You should place a purse or a cell phone -- or anything you know you'll need to carry from the car -- on the floor of the back seat every day no matter what, even when the child isn't in the car.

  • You can set a cell phone or BlackBerry reminder to drop the kid off at daycare or school.

  • Set your computer Outlook program to ask, "Did you drop off your child today?"

  • Have a plan with the childcare provider to call if your kid doesn't arrive as expected.

  • If a child goes missing, you should always check cars and trunks first.

And of course, safety advocates stress you should never leave children alone in a vehicle -- even for a few minutes.

UPDATE: As if this point needed any more driving home, this morning brought news that a father in Cape Coral has been charged in the accidental death of his 18-month old daughter. If convicted, Reginald McKinnon, 38, faces up to five years in prison.
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest

Now Trending

From the Vault

 

Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Broward / Palm Beach

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city