This week, the temperatures are expected to get hot!  Be sure that you are taking care to prevent heatstroke.  Children are especially vulnerable, so be sure to read up on these tips to prevent heatstroke, especially in the car.

A child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, making children more vulnerable to heatstroke.  Heatstroke can occur at body temperature about 104 degrees.  On a hot summer day, it would only take a few minutes for the temperature in your car to reach dangerous temperatures.

According to Safe Kids, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children.  On average, a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle every eight days.  Keep your kids safe by remembering to ACT:

• Avoid heatstroke-related injury or death by never leaving your child in a car alone.  Make sure to lock your car when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
• Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child, such as a cellphone or purse, so that you remember to get your child out.
• Take action.  If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.  It could save a life.

Enjoy the warmer months this summer and all of the fun activities that come with it, but remember to stay safe!  For more information, contact Kate Whitney at the County Extension Office at 254-435-2331.