A few tips during deadly hot weather

Shasta County is known for its extreme summer temperatures and the Injury Prevention Coalition of Shasta County is reminding parents and caregivers that it is never safe to leave a child in a vehicle unattended, even for a few minutes.

As temperatures begin to rise, children are quickly at a serious risk for heat stroke when left alone in a closed vehicle. Last year, at least 42 children across the United States died from heat stroke caused by being left or trapped in a vehicle.

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 brain injury or even death.

Heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit and 107 degrees Fahrenheit is considered lethal.

"The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 19 degrees above the outside temperature in just 10 minutes and more than 45 degrees within an hour - even with the windows (left open a) crack," said Cathy Tillman, Shasta County Public Health coordinator for the Child Passenger Safety Program.

With summer temperatures, a vehicle can be hot enough to kill a child in far less than 10 minutes. Even when it is 70 degrees outside, the inside of a car can reach a dangerous temperature in less than 20 minutes.

The Injury Prevention Coalition of Shasta County suggests these tips for keeping children safe:

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

If your vehicle has a trunk door release inside the trunk, teach your child how to use it.

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open it is illegal in addition to unsafe.

Always lock a vehicle's doors and trunk - especially at home.

Keep keys and remote entry devices out of children's reach.