Officials warn against leaving children in car

Of the 19 incidents where children across the country have died from being left unattended in a motor vehicle on a hot day so far this year, none has occurred in Washington — and law enforcement officials are trying to keep it that way.

Washington State Patrol is encouraging adults to never leave a young child in a car alone, especially in warm weather. According to the agency, on a day where temperatures are in the 60s, the temperature inside a car can exceed 110 degrees within one hour.

For children, these temperatures can be especially dangerous. A child’s body will heat up three to five times faster than that of an adult, and children younger than 4 years old are at greatest risk for heat-related illness, the agency said in a release.

Troopers ask people to call 911 immediately if they spot a child unattended in a motor vehicle. WSP also offered these suggestions:

o Never leave children unattended in or around a motor vehicle, not for even a minute.

o Put something you will need at your destination in the backseat near the child such as a briefcase, purse or cellphone.

o Always check the backseat before you lock the vehicle and walk away.

o Teach your children that a motor vehicle is not a playground.

o Always lock your vehicle and set the parking brake, even in your garage. Keep the keys out of the reach of your child.