Leaving keiki alone in a vehicle can lead to a terrible tragedy. Recognizing that while these deaths, while accidental, are always preventable, Hawai‘i Police Department is sharing helpful tips to make sure it doesn’t happen to your family.

Remember:

• Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on. A child’s body temperature can rise 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s. A core body temperature of 107 degrees is lethal.
• Always look in both the front and back of the vehicle before locking the door and walking away.
• Heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees. On an 80-degree day, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes.
• Never let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them a vehicle is not a play area. • Always lock your vehicle doors and trunk, and keep the keys out of a child’s reach. If a child is missing,  quickly check all vehicles, including the trunk.

Here are some suggestions on ways to remind yourself that a child is in your vehicle:

• Place a briefcase, purse or cell phone next to the child’s car seat so that you’ll always check the back seat before leaving the car.
• Put a teddy bear in the passenger seat as reminder to check the back seat before you exit the vehicle.
• Have your childcare provider call you if your child doesn’t arrive.
• Write a note and place it on the dashboard of your car, or set a reminder on your cell phone or calendar.
• If taking your child to day care is not part of your usual routine, call your  spouse or another caregiver to confirm you’ve dropped off your child.

Kids and hot cars are a deadly combination.  It’s our kuleana to protect them and keep them safe at all times. Don’t take the chance. Look before you lock.