South Carolina summers bring dangerously high temperatures, making heat safety especially important for families, caregivers and community members. While many people understand the risks of spending too much time outdoors in extreme heat, they may not realize how quickly the inside of a parked vehicle can become deadly.
According to the South Carolina Pediatric Alliance, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can increase nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even when the windows are cracked. Parking in the shade or cracking the windows does very little to slow the heating process and does not make it safe to leave a child, vulnerable adult or pet inside.
Why Children Are Especially Vulnerable
Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults’ bodies, making infants and toddlers especially susceptible to heat-related illness. Heatstroke begins when the body’s core temperature reaches approximately 104 degrees and can become fatal when it reaches 107 degrees.
Adults can also experience heatstroke, particularly older adults and people with certain medical conditions, but young children may reach a dangerous body temperature much more quickly.
The South Carolina Pediatric Alliance reports that more than 1,040 children in the United States have died from vehicular heatstroke since records began in 1998. Approximately 54 percent of those children were younger than 2 years old. More than half of these tragedies occurred because a caregiver unknowingly forgot that a child was still in the vehicle.
South Carolina has also experienced several preventable hot car deaths in recent years, including cases in Richland, Berkeley, Spartanburg, Colleton, Dillon and Williamsburg counties. These tragedies are an important reminder that leaving a child in a vehicle can happen to anyone and that developing a consistent routine is essential.
Make “Stop. Look. Lock.” a Habit
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department encourages parents and caregivers to follow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Stop. Look. Lock.” campaign every time they park.
Parents and caregivers can take several simple precautions:
- Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for “just a minute.”
- Check the front and back seats before walking away.
- Place an essential item, such as a purse, briefcase, work badge or cell phone, in the back seat so you must open the rear door before leaving.
- Place a stuffed animal in the front passenger seat whenever a child is riding in the back as a visual reminder.
- Keep vehicles locked when they are not in use.
- Store keys and key fobs out of children’s reach.
- Teach children that vehicles are not safe places to play.
Changes in routine, distractions, exhaustion and stress can increase the risk of a caregiver unintentionally leaving a child behind. Building these safeguards into every trip can help prevent a momentary mistake from becoming a tragedy.
What to Do if You See a Child Alone in a Vehicle
Bystanders can play a critical role in preventing a hot car death. If you see a child alone inside a parked vehicle:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Stay with the vehicle until first responders arrive.
- Tell the emergency dispatcher if the child appears distressed, unresponsive or unusually sleepy.
- Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
- If it can be done safely and legally under the circumstances, remove the child from the vehicle and begin cooling them while waiting for emergency medical personnel.
Never assume someone else has already called for help. Minutes matter during a heat-related emergency.
Know the Warning Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs may include:
- A body temperature of 104 degrees or higher
- Hot, red skin
- Confusion or changes in mental state
- Slurred speech
- A rapid pulse
- Severe headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke. Move the person to a cooler location and begin cooling them while waiting for emergency medical personnel. Do not give fluids to someone who is unconscious or unable to drink safely.
Staying Safe During Hot Weather
Heat-related illness can happen outside a vehicle as well. Residents should take precautions during periods of extreme heat by:
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing
- Limiting strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day
- Taking frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning
- Checking on children, older adults and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable
- Learning the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea or muscle cramps. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cool place, rest and drink water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
LCSD’s Commitment to Prevention
The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department works to prevent hot car incidents through public education, school outreach, community events and seasonal safety messaging. Deputies also respond immediately to reports of children left unattended in vehicles.
LCSD has deputies certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians through the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Program. These deputies are trained to correctly install and inspect child safety seats and educate families about child passenger safety and the dangers of heat-related incidents.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health reminds families that leaving a child in a vehicle can happen to anyone. The South Carolina Pediatric Alliance and LCSD encourage families to make “Look Before You Lock” part of their routine every time they leave a vehicle.
A parked vehicle can become dangerous in only a few minutes. By checking every seat, locking unattended vehicles and acting quickly when a child is in danger, Lexington County residents can help prevent heat-related tragedies and keep children safe throughout the summer.
Information provided by Sgt. Jason Spears of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Division and the South Carolina Pediatric Alliance.
