The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Public Health, and the Safe Kids of Georgia community partners urge parents not to leave children unsupervised in vehicles for any length of time. As we are in the summer season, it is crucial to remember that in a matter of minutes, the temperature in your vehicle could top 160 degrees on a hot and humid day - even with the windows partly open.

"In addition to heat stroke and hypothermia, other risks from leaving children unattended in vehicles include abduction, setting a vehicle in motion, trunk entrapment and even car crashes. These potentially fatal situations are preventable," said Stuart Brown, M.D., director of DHR's Division of Public Health. "DHR and our local health departments are teaming with the Safe Kids coalitions across the state to raise awareness about child safety, and to distribute 'Kids in Cars' window clings to remind parents and others to never leave children alone in or around cars," Brown concluded.

Children left in vehicles under these conditions are especially vulnerable. Heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency, can occur in temperatures as low as 80 degrees, depending on humidity levels. Body temperatures higher than 105 degrees can cause permanent brain damage or even death, especially among children.

"A child's body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult's," said Lisa Dawson, director of DHR's Injury Prevention Section. "These tragedies are very much preventable through supervision, environmental modifications, and awareness."

According to the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Injury and Suicide during the period 1995-2005, there were 414 heat-related deaths to children in the US - 16 of them in Georgia. Of the 16 Georgia child fatality cases, two were children who climbed in the trunk of a vehicle; 14 were in the passenger compartment.

More than half of unattended child deaths occurred when adults forgot or were unaware of the child according to a 2005 study published in Injury Prevention. To help prevent tragedy, DHR urges all parents, grandparents, and childcare providers to follow safety recommendations.

Supervision is key. Even if the windows are down, never leave your child unattended in a car. Never leave your car keys where children can get them. Keep car doors and trunks locked at all times, even in the garage or driveway. Teach children not to play in or around cars.

Adopt safety-focused behaviors. Place your purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car. Make 'look before you leave' a routine whenever you get out of the car. Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. If a child is missing, check the car first, including the trunk. Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car. Have a plan that your child's teacher will call you if your child does not show up for school, or if your child doesn't arrive when expected. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible, and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Make your car safer. Contact your auto dealership about getting your vehicle retrofitted with a trunk release mechanism. Make sure the child resistant locks in your vehicle function correctly. These recommendations for keeping kids safe in or around vehicles have been adapted from http:// kidsandcars.org and other sites. For more information visit http:// health.state.ga.us.