With summer temperatures set to soar next week, Rainbow Fleet Resource and Referral is reminding parents that children should never be left unattended in a vehicle.

“There is no defined period of time considered safe for a child to sit in a closed car,” said Carri Hicks, chief executive officer at Rainbow Fleet. “National statistics show the acceleration of temperatures takes place in a short period of time. Even leaving the air conditioner on with the car running or the windows open puts your child at risk of heat-related illnesses and death, in addition to other concerns. Every hot car death is preventable.”

Oklahoma currently ranks in the top five states for hot car deaths, with four child fatalities that occurred in the summer of 2020. In total, more than 800 children have died in hot cars in the U.S. since related data collection began in 1998. More than 70% of deaths occurred in babies and toddlers under age 2, according to the National Safety Council.

The advocacy website NoHeatstroke.org lists circumstantial causes of car deaths as attributable to the following situations:

- 52.9% - Forgotten by caregiver

- 25.6% - Gained access on their own

- 19.7% - Knowingly left by caregiver

- 1.7 % - Unknown

Help prevent hot car deaths with these four tips:

Leave your phone or another object on the floor under your child’s seat: Having to reach back to go around the car to retrieve an object makes parents and caregivers more likely to check the back seat. Because rear-facing infants often fall asleep or are quiet in the car, it can be easier to forget they are there.

Set an alarm on your phone: A change in routine is also a leading contributor to the circumstances around hot car deaths, such as proceeding to work instead of dropping off a child at daycare. Fatigue and distraction can also be contributing factors. The National Highway Transportation Safety Authority reports Thursdays and Fridays are the days on which car deaths are most likely to occur. Consider setting a series of alarms on your phone to sound at the approximate time you should be reaching your daycare, work or other destination. Breaking through your own thoughts can help you remember why you set the alarm with that audible cue.

Teach children to stay out of parked cars: Leave keys out of reach, and remind children never to hide inside a car, even if it’s parked in the family garage.

Check cars if a child is missing: Always check pools first and cars second if a child is missing at home.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you find a child in a hot car.

About Rainbow Fleet Resource and Referral

For more than 45 years, Rainbow Fleet Resource and Referral has provided innovative child development programs to families and childcare service providers. Rainbow Fleet helps families locate quality childcare options and assists child care providers with a multitude of services including licensing and technical assistance as well as age-appropriate activities and curriculum. Rainbow Fleet is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information on Rainbow Fleet, visit www.rainbowfleet.org.