CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Hot Cars as Summer Temps Heat Up

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warns parents, caregivers and loved ones to never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle especially as a stifling heat wave impacts much of the state. In 2023, 29 children died in hot car related tragedies including seven from Florida.
 
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, "Summer in Florida is in full swing and with it brings blazing temperatures and the dangers associated with hot cars. Parents and caregivers should never leave children alone in a car under any circumstances. Temperatures inside a parked car increase quickly, becoming dangerously hot in just a matter of minutes. Experts say that an average of 37 children under the age of 15 die every year from hot car related tragedies. These heartbreaking numbers are preventable by following a few safety tips like staying alert when your daily routine changes and avoiding distractions while driving. Following these tips can help you and your loved ones avoid a hot car tragedy this summer.”
 
Four Tips to Avoid Hot Car Tragedies

1. Check the back of your car. If you transport children, make it a routine to open the back door of your car every time you park, even if the child is not with you at the time.
2. Store an important item in the backseat. If you are driving a child, after you buckle them in a car seat or booster seat put something you need for your destination in the back seat as a reminder to open the back door, such as: a cellphone, employee badge, handbag, or other item you need to keep with you.
3. Use your phone alarm. Set the alarm on your cell phone or computer calendar as a reminder to drop your child off at childcare. Remember to make the alarm song/sound distinct and different from all other alert sounds on your device.
4. Beware of a change in routine. If you have a change in routine, such as your spouse or parent dropping your child off at childcare, make sure you confirm that the drop-off was made.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).