Save Lives: ‘Look Before You Lock’

It's National Heatstroke Prevention Day Wednesday July 31 in Lemon Grove and across the nation and officials want to remind harried parents to be absolutely certain they don't do the unthinkable – leave a child in a hot car.

That's why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is promoting their “Where's Baby? Look Before You Lock” campaign Wednesday, which is particularly timely after what happened Saturday when a 4-month-old boy died at a La Mesa hospital.

He had been left in the car by his parents in El Cajon.

According to the NHTSA, 24 children have died so far this year of heatstroke. In case you're wondering, even seemingly mild days can produce really hot temperatures in a vehicle.

After an hour in a closed-up car on just an 80-degree day, temperatures inside jump to more than 120 degrees, the NHTSA estimates.

Officials say people should develop a couple of habits to ensure their children aren't stuck in a vehicle as temperatures soar:

• Just don't do it – ever. Never leave a child in a car alone, even if the windows are rolled down or the air conditioner is on.  
• Double check your car at all times after locking it. Maybe you'll see you left a window open. Or maybe you'll see you were in too big a hurry and your son or daughter is still in the backseat.
• Give yourself a visual cue, i.e. put your child's favorite stuffed toy in the front seat as a reminder he or she is there. Or put something you won't leave the car without like a purse or computer bag, in the back with the car seat.