Parents urged not to leave infants in parked cars!

Parents urged not to leave infants in parked cars as the weather heats up to record highs this summer!

In the past few years, there has been a disturbing number of tragic cases involving the deaths of babies and toddlers being left unattended in hot cars. Parents or carers that leave their children unattended in cars could face fines of up to $3,700 or six months’ jail, or both.

And with the Summer heat well and truly here, parents are being warned that babies are not as adaptable as adults to temperature changes and should never be left in parked cars for long periods of time, and should never be left alone.

Temperatures inside a car can be 20 – 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature and according Ambulance Victoria there were 1562 call outs to rescue children who had been left unattended in cars in 2016.

Ambulance Victoria figures also reveal that:

  • Two thirds of call outs for children locked in cars were to car parks, streets or public places.
  • 45% of incidents occurred between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest part of the day

That’s why parents are strongly urged to never leave their infant in a parked car even for a few minutes.

The combination of body heat and the car seat or carrier’s confining space can make an infant hot and bothered within a matter of minutes.

To further ensure the safety of your child and to help keep them ‘cool and comfy’ over the hot summer period, follow this Summer Checklist:

  • Pre-cool the car first and foremost √
  • Plan trips in the morning or evening to avoid strong sun-rays √
  • Dress children in light breathable clothing √
  • Utilise sunshades √
  • Be prepared with water bottles to avoid dehydration √
  • Aim to park in shaded areas √

 

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