LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — With triple-digit temperatures returning to the Las Vegas forecast next week, Sunrise Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids Clark County are reminding families about the dangers children face in and around vehicles during the summer months.
Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly rise to deadly levels, even on a mild day. Experts warn those temps can turn deadly for a child in less than 11 minutes.
WATCH | Abel Garcia hears from experts and locals about the dangers of leaving kids in a car during hot temperatures:
"Every minute the temperature rises inside a vehicle by three degrees," said Jeanne Marsala, an RN and coordinator with Safe Kids Clark County. "The hotter the day is, the quicker the temperature rises."
Even on Friday morning, as the outside temperature sat in the low 80s, the temperature gauge inside a vehicle read 144 degrees.
"That kind of temperature is not compatible with a child's life," Marsala said.
Some of the tips Marsala shared for making sure not to leave kids in cars are to set reminders or to leave something else in the backseat, like a purse or even a shoe.
"When these incidents happen, it is often that the routine has changed," she said, "So create reminders so you do not forget that your child is in the back of the car."
Even those without children can do their part to help keep kids safe in the heat this summer.
"If you are a bystander and see a child left unattended in a car, call 911 immediately, get involved, and take action because every minute counts," Marsala said. "The quicker EMS can get there to save the child's life, the better chance the child has."
Nevada law makes it illegal to knowingly leave a child age seven or younger unattended in a vehicle under dangerous conditions, even if the engine is running or keys are in the ignition. To avoid legal consequences, the child must remain in sight of someone at least 12 years old.
Justina Cruz, a Las Vegas local of 64 years, said she stayed on high alert while raising her children in the desert heat.
"I was very careful," Cruz said. "I got 4 children and I was very careful."
Cruz said preventing these tragedies means staying mindful, especially when routines change. She also suggested leaving an item in the back seat — such as a purse, phone, or wallet — as a reminder that a child is there.
"Do not leave kids in the car, not even for a minute, because it's very dangerous," she said.
Experts said when you call 911 to report a child in a car, give the dispatcher the car's make, model, color, license plate number and exact location. Stay with the child until help arrives, follow operator instructions, and act only if the child is in clear distress and help cannot wait.
