Ask an Officer

Question: How is it possible for people to forget their child in a car on a hot day? 

Answer: Safe Kids-Safe Communities of Greater Cleveland through University Hospitals 

Even the best parent can make a mistake or have a lapse in judgement.  There may be a temptation to leave a child in a car for just a few minutes to run into the store, or let a sleeping child remain in the car after arriving home, but even a cool temperature in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° within ten minutes.  Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without the adult’s knowledge.  Children can become confused by the door opening mechanism and become trapped.  Follow these tips to keep the littlest passengers safe: 

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
• Keep keys out of reach of children.
• Do not let children play in unattended vehicles.
• Never leave infants in parked vehicles, even with windows partially opened.
• Make a habit of looking into the front and the back before locking and walking away.
• Have your child care provider call you if your child is not dropped off as expected.
• Always lock vehicle doors even in a driveway.
• If a child goes missing, check the vehicle and trunk first.
• If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call the police.
• If the child is in heat distress in a locked vehicle, get them out immediately.
• Routinely, call your spouse after you have dropped the child at daycare to confirm.
• Leave your purse or briefcase in the back seat.
• Keep a stuffed animal in the empty car seat and put this toy in the front seat when child is in the car seat. 

If you would like to submit a question to Ask an Officer, contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department:  email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.