Governor Snyder, MDHHS Declare May 22 Heatstroke Prevention Awareness Day; Parents and Caregivers Reminded about Dangers of Unattended Children in Cars

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2015

LANSING, Mich. – As warmer weather arrives, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan State Police (MSP) and Secretary of State Ruth Johnson are reminding parents and caregivers to be diligent and never leave children alone in vehicles. Last year, at least 30 children died from heatstroke in vehicles in states all across the country. One of these deaths happened in Michigan.

"Every year there are heartbreaking child fatalities related to heatstroke in vehicles, even in moderate temperatures," said Nick Lyon, director of the MDHHS. “Heat Stroke Prevention Awareness Day is an opportunity to remind everyone to help protect kids by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.”

Children can get overheated in cars even with seemingly mild temperatures outside, as the temperatures inside a car can rise as quickly as 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside. Additionally, a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than adult’s, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.

“It takes just a short time for a car to become dangerously hot for a child,” Secretary of State Ruth Johnson said. “Never leave your child alone in a car, and alert authorities if you see children by themselves in a hot car.”

Too many children have lost their lives to this preventable tragedy. Together, we can cut down the number of deaths and near misses by remembering to ACT.

• A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
• C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.
• T: Take action. If you see or hear a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

“Heatstroke is a preventable tragedy,” said MSP Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue.  “To save lives we must raise awareness of the need to ACT and make sure that parents and caregivers understand that leaving a child alone in a vehicle for any period of time is extremely dangerous.”

Safe Kids Coalitions across the state are working hard in their communities to increase awareness. For more information and safety tips about preventing child heatstroke deaths, visit www.safekids.org/heatstroke.

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