Vehicular
Hyperthermia
#PawsToCheck #CheckTwice
RI Comfort K-9s Lead Campaign to Prevent Hot Car Tragedies
Comfort K-9s from across Rhode Island are helping the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association raise awareness about the dangers of vehicular hyperthermia through the #PawsToCheck campaign.
K-9 Mouse, a senior pitbull mix from the West Warwick Police Department, is leading the effort with a simple message: always check the back seat before locking your car.
The campaign comes at a critical time, as summer heat peaks and early fall temperatures remain high. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to rising temperatures in parked vehicles, making prevention and awareness essential to avoid these entirely preventable tragedies.
The National Highway and Traffic Administration reports…
that in the past 25 years, over 950 children have died from heatstroke after being left or becoming trapped in hot cars. It is important for parents and caregivers to realize that these dangerous situations can arise quickly. Interior temperatures can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes. Even if it’s only in the 60s outside, the temperature inside a car can reach 110 degrees.
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association’s #CheckTwice campaign highlights the dangers of leaving children in a car during the summer months. The campaign includes a :30 English and Spanish language radio ad as well as organic and paid social media elements.
This campaign focuses on crucial safety messages: consistently lock your car to prevent children from getting trapped; never leave a child alone inside, even for a minute; and, always check the backseat before locking the doors.
Make it a habit to open the rear door as you get out of the car.
Even when your child is not with you
Keep anything that you need to start your day in the backseat
Example: Your mobile phone or computer bag
Put a visual cue that your child is with you
Example: Put their diaper bag in the front seat.
Ask your child care providers to check in with you if your child isn't dropped off as scheduled.
Sometimes parents think they have dropped their child off and go to work, accidentally leaving them in their car seats all day.
Tips for Parents
