Whether you plan to hit the pool or hit the road this holiday weekend, there are some things you can do to keep your family safe.
Henderson Professional Firefighters have kicked off their Summer of Safety in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drowning and hot cars.
According to Henderson firefighters, Nevada has ranked among the top 20 states hit hardest by heatstroke fatalities. The Clark County coroner's office says they reported nearly 100 heat-related deaths just last year, and that number has increased from past years.
When temperatures are hot outside, the inside of a car can climb more than 30 degrees hotter in just 10 minutes. Firefighters suggest making a habit of leaving your cell phone, wallet or purse in the back seat to get in the habit of checking the entire car before locking and leaving your vehicle.
According to the Southern Nevada Health District, there were50 submersion incidents last year and almost all of them with kids under 4.
"It's a very common call that we get, and it's 100 percent preventable," says Dan Pentkowski, the president of Henderson Professional Firefighters.
Henderson Professional Firefighters say drowning continues to be a leading cause of death amongst children in Clark County.
They have focused on the A, B, C and Ds of drowning prevention:
- Adult supervision
- Barriers around pools
- Classes such as swim lessons and CPR
- Devices like life jackets and Coast Guard approved flotation devices
For more information on Summer of Safety, click here.
