Even on an overcast day with a high temperature only in the mid-80s, it's still hot enough in a parked car to kill a child.
That was the message Friday from Safe Kids San Antonio, aiming to make sure no child dies locked in a parked car.
It was only 75 degrees outside Friday morning, but inside a demonstration SUV, the temperature hit 111 degrees in minutes with a baby doll inside.
Friday's scenario was only a demonstration. Unfortunately, last year a San Antonio child died in a similar situation, one that happens too often.
"Since January of this year, our firefighters and paramedics have responded to 126 calls for children who were trapped in vehicles," said San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood.
So far in 2014 no children have died or suffered injuries from being locked in a car, but Friday's demonstration showed how easily it can happen.
"Even on an overcast day the temperature was pretty significant in the car and I think that kind of a wives' tale, that if it's overcast like this, you can leave your child in a car.
What we have demonstrated today is that is simply not the case," said Hood.
The Coalition of First Responders, University Health System and Safe Kids Worldwide offer these important warnings:
- Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
- To keep children from getting in and accidentally locking themselves in, never leave your unattended, empty car unlocked.
- Create reminders that you have a child in the back seat by leaving your purse or cellphone in the back, as well.
- Take action immediately if you see a child alone in a car.