April is Now Hot Car Death Prevention Month in Florida

As temperatures in our area will be nearing the mid-80s next week, the dangers of leaving children, elderly, and pets in hot cars is brought to mind. A new bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis this week designates April as "Hot Car Death Prevention Month" and brings awareness to the total number of deaths that occur each year from people being negligent and leaving living beings in hot cars. 

The bill is named after 10-month-old Ariya Paige from Baker County who died after being left in a vehicle for hours in her babysitter's car in 2023. Last year in Florida, eight children died after being left in hot cars. Florida leads the nation when it comes to hot car deaths. The temperature in a car with the windows up raises about 20 degrees in 10 minutes. On a hot day, the interior of a car can reach up to 130 degrees within an hour.

Some tips:

If you see a child or animal locked in a car on a warm day - always call 911 immediately and act fast.

If you have childcare for your children, make sure they are properly vetted.

If your child is driven to daycare or childcare, ask that you always be called if the child doesn't show up for care as expected.

If you have children or pets, make it a habit to check your entire vehicle before locking the doors and walking away.

If you normally have children or pets in the back seat, put your purse or wallet back there to remind you to go into the back seat.

If you are struggling in any way, emotionally drained or stressed, finding yourself to be forgetful - please seek help.