05 DecChildren and hot weather
As summer begins, we start to hear stories of children being left in hot cars. The consequences can be horrific, and we need to do all we can to ensure that we never leave children or pets in hot cars as it can be dangerous, even fatal. It is also against the law, with potential jail time of up to six months.
The Better Health Channel has some crucial information that families and educators should know.
Important points to remember:
- never leave children alone in a car. It doesn’t matter how long you are going to be away, just don’t do it
- children get hotter quicker than adults
- research shows that leaving the window open on a hot day in summer does very little to drop the temperature in a car
- forgetting a child in a car through “fatal distraction” can happen to anyone. Make sure you have routines to check in the back seat every time you drive
- before placing a child in a car seat, check the car seat temperature so they are not burnt by hot metal and plastic
- if you have a capsule that fits into a pram, remember it is not designed as a sleeping device and that there is very little air circulation. It worsens when you put any cloth over the top. Temperatures in a pram can rise very quickly even with a light cloth over it on a hot day
- make sure the child is hydrated, always bring a water bottle
- plan your trips. Try to avoid travelling at the hottest times of the day, and where possible, get petrol when you don’t have children with you
- make sure anyone responsible for caring for your child understands the risks of leaving children in hot cars
- if you see a child left in a hot car call emergency services immediately.
