Hot Weather, Vehicles, Even Amusement Rides

Can Be Dangerous For Young Kids

NORWALK — Never Leave Your Child Alone!

From 1998 to 2007, approximately 365 children — most of them aged 3 and younger — died from heat stroke after being trapped in a car.

Leaving a child in a vehicle for a “quick” errand is a huge mistake. Unfortunately, a delay of just a few minutes on a warm day can lead to tragedy.

Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than that of an adult. This could cause permanent injury or even death.

According to research conducted by San Francisco State University, even with relatively cool temperatures outside — 70 degrees — the inside of a car can reach a dangerous temperature in just minutes.

The research also revealed that more than half of these children were accidentally left behind in a closed, parked car by parents or caregivers while nearly a third of these children were trapped while playing in a vehicle unattended. Sadly, one in five children who died were intentionally left in the vehicle by an adult.

Safe Kids USA in partnership with General Motors wants to end these needless deaths and injuries by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of allowing children to play in or around cars. Vehicles are not toys and children of all ages should never be alone around them.

Parents and caregivers should:

*Teach children not to play in, on, or around vehicles.

*Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for one minute or with the window slightly open.

*Always lock a vehicle’s doors and trunk — especially at home. Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children’s reach.

*Watch children closely around vehicles, particularly when loading and unloading. Check to ensure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Do not overlook sleeping infants.

*Be especially careful if you are dropping off infants or children at day care and that is not part of your normal routine. Have your day care provider contact you if your child does not show up on a day he/she is expected.

*Place something that you will need at your next stop — for example a purse, lunch, gym bag, or briefcase — on the floor of the back seat where the child is sitting. This simple act could help prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.

Amusement Ride Warning

In other Safe Kids news, each year nationwide, an estimated 8,000 children ages 14 and under are treated in emergency rooms for injuries involving thrill rides at amusement parks and traveling carnivals. And in an average year, three or four die.

Kiddie rides designed for ages 4 and under account for nearly a quarter of amusement park injuries to children. This category includes inflatable attractions such as bounces and slides. “Parents need to use their own judgment. Posted age and height requirements are minimal guidelines,” said Alan Korn, director of public policy and general counsel for Safe Kids USA.

“Follow the rules,” says Mr Korn. “If a ride operator tells you to keep your hands and feet inside the car, to hold the handrail or to remain seated, there’s a good reason.”

Portable carnival rides are subject to safety regulations enforced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Amusement park rides at a fixed location are not subject to federal safety standards. Parents and caregivers need to decide whether their children are capable of sitting properly on a ride and following the operator’s instructions.

In addition, Safe Kids USA reminds parents:

*Role-model proper safety behavior. A 2005 report by Safe Kids Worldwide shows that children are more likely to follow safety rules when they see their parents doing so.

*Supervise your child getting on and off a ride. Make sure the child understands all announcements and posted rules. Also, do not allow children to supervise younger children on rides.

*Always use the safety equipment provided. Safety belts, lap bars, chains, handrails, and other safety features are there for a reason.

*Never get off a moving ride. Wait until the ride comes to a complete stop. Also, if a ride stops due to a mechanical problem or safety concern, stay seated and wait for instructions.

*Do not let children ride if they are too tired to comply with safety procedures. On some rides, it is important to stay upright and face forward. Also, do not pressure kids to go on a ride they are afraid of, as they are more likely to sit incorrectly or even try to get off.

*Note the limitations of safety devices. Lap bars and chains are not physical restraints — their main function is to remind the occupant to stay seated. If a small child sits next to a large adult, a lap bar might not offer the child much protection.

*Trust your instincts. If a ride looks like it is poorly maintained or an operator seems to be inattentive or unfit, do not let your children ride. While most operators pay close attention to safety, there are exceptions, as in any industry.

For more information on these and other programs contact Safe Kids Fairfield County at 203-853-7115, or visit www.fcsafekids.org.