National Heatstroke Prevention Day is Sunday

The nationwide recognition of National Heatstroke Prevention Day is Sunday, and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and Safe Kids Upstate are partnering to remind everyone about hot vehicles and the dangers of children being trapped inside. So far as of today, there have been 23 reported deaths in the United States of children who have died in hot vehicles,” according to Daby Snipes with Safe Kids Upstate.  “While most of the deaths that have occurred have been due to children being left in hot vehicles, statistics show that 30% of children who die are children who enter unlocked vehicles to play and can’t find their way out. Safe Kids Upstate, we would like to remind everyone never to leave your children alone in the car, even for just a moment and when you exit your vehicle, make sure everyone is out and to lock your vehicles,” continues Mrs. Snipes.  “If you child is unrestrained, teach them to blow the horn in case they are in the vehicle and can’t get out.” Snipes also reminds everyone they can help protect kids by remembering to ACT:

A:  Avoid Heatstroke by never leaving your child alone in a car

C:  Create reminders.

T:  Take action by calling 9ll if you see a child alone in a car. One call could save a life  Sheriff Mike Crenshaw encourages citizens to call 911 immediately if you see a child alone in motor vehicle. The same would also apply for animals left inside a hot car. It only takes a few minutes for temperatures inside a vehicle to reach excessive levels on a hot summer day. Keeping your vehicles always locked is also a good crime prevention way to deter theft, according to Sheriff Crenshaw.