Georgians get a reminder not to leave kids or pets in hot cars
ATLANTA, Ga. - May 1 is National Vehicle Heatstroke Prevention Day. As summer inches closer, state agencies are reminding the public not to leave children or pets in cars.
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the Governor’s Office of Highway and the National Highway Safety Traffic istration are launching their “Look Again” campaign to prevent child hot car deaths.
“As we all know, we’re getting ready to head into Georgia summers and Georgia summers can fluctuate real quick,” Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole said. “We want to remind all parents, caregivers, and everyone to stop, look and lock.”
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The summer heat can be dangerous for children, especially in a parked car. That’s because children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s.
A thermometer at Thursday’s news conference showed 77 degrees outside — but inside the parked car, the heat hit 102 degrees. Cracking a window or parking in the shade won’t cut it when it comes to keeping kids safe.
State leaders urged parents and caregivers to double or even triple-check that their kids are out of a hot car.
“It’s that time of the year again. It’s time to remind all of us who transport children in the stifling, very hot months to always look again,” said Commissioner Amy Jacobs with DECAL.
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Data from the past 27 years shows more than 1,000 children have died from vehicular heatstroke in the U.S. since 1998. Most of them were forgotten in a car, while others got into the car when no one was looking.
Last year, 39 children died nationally, including two in Georgia.
“This annual ‘Look Again’ campaign started more than a decade ago after a Georgia child died tragically when she was left unattended in the caregiver’s vehicle,” said Jacobs.
State leaders say this reminder applies to everyone, from parents and caregivers to bystanders.
“If you see a small child in a parked vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you see the child in distress, the law gives you the authority to enter that vehicle,” said Poole.
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They also recommend leaving things like a purse, wallet or your phone in the back seat just to give you that extra reason to turn around and check.
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