Don’t leave children alone in cars

Each year, emergency services receive about 1,500 callouts for children left unattended in cars.

Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said people should not underestimate the risk.

“The temperature inside a parked car can be 20-30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature, which means on a typical Australian summer day, the temperature can exceed 50 to 60 degrees in a matter of minutes.

“Children are particularly at risk because they can lose fluid quickly, become dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke which can be life threatening.”

Kidsafe Victoria will be installing “do not leave children in cars” signs in carparks across the state.

Mr Chambers said awareness about the issue was crucial.

“These signs provide long-term, daily reminders to parents and carers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars, while also stimulating important conversations in the community about this life-threatening issue.”

Kidsafe will also be encouraging local councils and community groups to also install warning signs at local carparks.

Monash Children’s Hospital general manager Kym Forrest said using the signs in their carparks was important for the hospital.

“These signs are a visual warning for all of our visiting families to always take your children with you when you leave a vehicle.”

For more information about the dangers of leaving children in cars or to order signs, head to kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/hot-cars.