Officials Warn Parents About Heatstroke Risks as Summer Approaches

As summer temperatures rise across the United States, health and safety officials are warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, as heatstroke is a leading cause of death for children outside of car crashes. In 2024 alone, 39 children have died from vehicular heatstroke, with deaths occurring even on days as cool as 60 degrees. Experts emphasize that a car's interior temperature can become deadly within minutes, rising up to 50 degrees higher than the outside temperature. National campaigns like 'Stop. Look. Lock.' and 'Park, Look, Lock' urge adults to always check the backseat, lock cars when not in use, and keep keys out of reach to prevent accidental entrapment. Warning signs of heatstroke in children include red, hot, dry skin, confusion, and vomiting, and immediate action—such as cooling the child and calling 911—is critical if symptoms appear. Authorities stress that these tragedies are preventable with increased vigilance and simple safety habits.