RELEASE: July 22, 2005

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Human Services promotes summer safety campaign
Never leave children or vulnerable adults in hot cars – Not Even for a Minute

TRENTON —As a thermometer climbed inside a parked car, New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy today reminded parents and caregivers to never leave children or vulnerable adults unattended in hot cars- NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE .

“We can't underestimate the hazards of leaving someone unattended in a hot car - in a few short minutes, it can be fatal,” said Commissioner Davy. “These tragic accidents do not have to happen.”

Each year, DHS' Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) receives several referrals of children left unattended in cars. Calls have also come into the Department from residents who spot elderly persons or people with disabilities who are left unattended in cars outside shopping areas.

In May, a four month old baby girl died when her father left her unattended in Jersey City , Hudson County . He forgot to drop her off at a local child care center on his way to work. Last year, a seven month old baby boy from Lakewood , Ocean County died when left unattended as his father attended school. Since 1998, six children have died when accidentally left unattended in a hot car.

“Leaving children or a person with disabilities alone inside a car is always dangerous,” said Commissioner Davy. “However, the summer months and the intense heat can turn it into a deadly situation.”

On a hot day, a closed automobile can heat up to 125 degrees within 20 minutes. Even with a window cracked, a child can dehydrate very quickly. At a body temperature between 103 and 105 degrees, both children and adults will show significant signs of heat-related stress. A body temperature of 105 degrees or above can be life threatening.

“Summer is a time of fun but it can also be dangerous,” said Commissioner Davy. “That is why it is so important to never leave a child or vulnerable adult unattended in a hot car- NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE .”

According to the nonprofit group Kids in Cars which monitors media reports of children left unattended in or around cars, 168 children nationwide have been left unattended this year resulting in 67 fatalities. Since 2000, the nonprofit also reports that 65 percent of the fatalities are related to children left in hot cars.

Information and materials about the NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE campaign are available for distribution to local community groups. To learn how your group can participate, contact the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect at (609) 292-0888.

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