Left alone in a vehicle, even for a short time, a child is in danger of dehydration, injury or abduction

• The interior of cars, even with the windows rolled down, can heat up to dangerous temperatures.
• It takes only 20 minutes for the interior of a car to reach 120 degrees on a 70-degree day.
• Left in this situation, infants and children become dehydrated, overheated and can pass out or worse, die.
• Infants and toddlers are most at risk.
• We lead hectic lives, but children must be protected.
• Never leave an infant or child alone in a car.
• Always take them inside with you when doing errands or visiting friends.
• Share this knowledge and rule with others who transport your children – your spouse or partner, babysitter, daycare provider, and other family members.

Here are some tips on how to get your tasks done while keeping your child safe:

• Bring a friend. Ask an adult you trust to come along for a ride to the store, gas station or while running errands.
• Nap-time first. Run errands when your child is less likely to fall asleep in the car.
• Use drive-thru banking. Keep deposit slips and envelopes in your car glove box. Use drive thru tellers and ATM when running around with kids.
• Flex your time at work. If possible, work a half day and use the additional time to get your monthly tasks done.
• Set-up a regular babysitting swap with another parent. Take turns babysitting another parent’s children while they run errands. Take the kids to the park, for a walk, or hang out in your backyard. Next time it will be your turn to check off your to-do list without distractions.