**Video Consumer Alert** CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: High Temperatures in Florida Can Lead to Hot Car Deaths
8/7/2019
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After a recent tragic report of a hot vehicle child death at a daycare facility in Florida, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is warning parents, caregivers and loved ones to never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. In 2018, 52 children died in hot cars nationwide, the deadliest year on record in the past 20 years.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Do not leave a small child alone in a car under any circumstances. Experts are forecasting above average August temperatures in Florida and everyone should understand the dangers associated with children left in hot cars. Since 1998, almost 800 children have died from vehicular heatstroke and since January, we have already seen four deaths of children in our state.
"These tragic numbers can be prevented, and with your help we can make a difference. Remember to check the back seat before walking away from your vehicle and to LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE. We must always make sure to stay alert when our daily routine changes by avoiding distractions while driving."
4 Tips to Avoid Hot Car Tragedies
1. 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. 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. 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. 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.