Steer clear of leaving kids in cars

Parents running quick errands may think their cars will remain cool, but even on mild days temperatures inside vehicles can rise to dangerous levels in minutes. A young child's core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, causing permanent injury or death.

The family car parked in the driveway also can be dangerous. Unlocked cars pose serious risks to children who are naturally curious and often lack fear. One-third of the heat-related deaths occur when children crawl into unlocked cars while playing and are unable to get out.

To protect your family:

• Never leave your child in an unattended car, even with the windows down.
• Check to make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination, particularly when loading and unloading. Don't overlook sleeping infants.
• Make sure you check the temperature of the child safety seat surface and safety belt buckles before restraining your children in the car.
• Use a light covering to shade the seat of your parked car. Consider using windshield shades in front and back windows.
• Teach children not to play in or around cars.
• Keep car keys out of reach and sight.
• Always lock car doors and trunks, especially when parked in the driveway or near the home.
• Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to help prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car.
• Be wary of child-resistant locks. Teach older children how to disable the driver's door locks if they unintentionally become trapped in a vehicle.
• Contact your automobile dealership about getting your vehicle retrofitted with a trunk release mechanism.