Summer in New England brings welcome sunlight and warmer temperatures. Longer days are spent outside by children and adults alike. Rising temperatures also bring with them a whole host of dangers, especially for children. Parents take extra precautions with their children around the pool, by the beach, and during sports, but one hidden threat remains a constant issue. A comprehensive study done by the Department of Earth & Climate Sciences at San Francisco State University reveals the number of completely preventable child heatstroke fatalities. The study specifically focuses on fatalities caused by caregivers leaving children in a hot car unattended.
In the year 2013, there were at least 44 related deaths, and in this year alone, there have been at least 13 deaths from heatstroke, and it is only June. With the worst of the summer heat still on the way, parents need to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping their kids safe. It can be tempting to crack the window and leave children in a hot car for “just a second,” but evidence shows the risk is too great. Depending on sunlight and the interior color of the car, temperatures can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical professionals urge parents and caregiving to check twice before leaving the car to prevent summertime fun from becoming a tragedy.
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