Heatstroke Deaths of Children on the Rise

The little girl, identified in an NBC 10 report as Samaria Kay Motyka, was reportedly supposed to be dropped off at a Williamsport daycare center in Pennsylvania by her babysitter on July 22, but instead, she was left inside the car during the day while the unidentified woman went to work.  And as a result of being stuck in a sweltering car for hours, Samaria died.  Our hearts are breaking for the toddler's family.  After this incident 3 more incidents occurred. 

A whopping 23 hot car deaths have been reported in the United States so far this year alone, according to noheatstroke.org.

• NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE. NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE!
• IF YOU SEE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A HOT VEHICLE CALL 9-1-1.
• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading.
• Don't overlook sleeping babies.
• Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.
• Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
• IF A CHILD IS MISSING, ALWAYS CHECK THE POOL FIRST, AND THEN THE CAR, INCLUDING THE TRUNK.
• Keep a stuffed animal in the carseat and when then child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the driver.  Or place your purse, briefcase or cell phone in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.
• Have a plan that your childcare provider will CALL you if your child does not show up for school.