Consequences of Temperature Extremes

Children are more severely affected by temperature extremes.  Adults can actively seek help, but children depend on the adults to get them assistance. Even newborn infants are prone to hypothermia because of their large body surface area, small amount of subcutaneous fat, and decreased ability to shiver. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, whether it is hot or cold, even for a minute. 

Using the following safety procedures will help prevent tragedies.  If you see a child unattended in a hot or cold vehicle, call 911.  Be sure that all occupants leave a vehicle, and do not forget a sleeping baby.  Teach children that vehicles are not a play area, and be certain that children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.  If a child is missing, check the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk.  Always have some kind of reminder that there is a child in the car.  Make “look before you lock the car and leave” a routine when getting out of the car.  Have a plan that childcare providers call you if a child does not arrive at the prescribed place on time.

Some parents have been suspected of murdering their children by leaving them unattended in a car during temperature extremes. Different states have varying laws for consequences to parents who leave children unattended in a vehicle.  The consequences can vary from arrests to court appearances, fines, jail time, or all of these.  Several states have Good Samaritan laws that allow private citizens to break into motor vehicles if they notice a child or animal in extreme jeopardy.