Mayor Leclerc Reminds All Residents about the Dangers of Leaving Children and Pets in Hot Cars

East Hartford, CT - Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc wants the community to know that heatstroke is the number one killer of children, outside of car crashes. The Mayor has made it her personal mission to attempt to reduce these deaths by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke and leaving children in hot cars. 

“As outside temperatures rise inside of a car, the risks of a child dying from heatstroke also rise,” said Mayor Leclerc. “One child dies from heatstroke every 11 days as a result of being left in a hot vehicle, but what is most tragic is that the majority of these deaths could have been prevented by vigilance and care.“

Mayor Leclerc urges all parents and caregivers to do these three things: 1) NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended; 2) Make it a habit to look in the backseat EVERY time you exit the car; 3) ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach. And, if you ever see a child left alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 right away.

Know the warning signs of heatstroke, which include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin; no sweating; a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse; nausea; confusion; or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs after being in a hot vehicle, cool the child rapidly by spraying them with cool water or with a garden hose, NEVER an ice bath. Call 911 immediately.

Children’s body temperatures can rise up to five times faster than that of an adult, and heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees. On an 80-degree day, a car can reach deadly levels in just 10 minutes.

 “We want to get the word out to parents and caregivers, please look before you lock,” Mayor Leclerc said.” One extra look can save a child’s life.”