Officials Warn Hot Cars and Babies Don't Mix

As the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday with temperatures rising up to 105 degrees, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is reminding families to be safe this summer and keep an eye on their children

Fire and Rescue officlas write that "across the country, July is typically the deadliest month for child fatalities in hot cars." 

Last year, there were no fatal accidents but one scare at the Rio Sport and Health in Gaithersburg, said Montgomery County Police Spokeswoman Angela Cruz.  

In Maryland, if a child younger than 8 is left alone and unsupervised in a car, the adult can pay a penalty of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail. They must be accompanied by a person of at least 13 years of age to protect the child. 

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never Leave Infants, Children, Pets or the Elderly Unattended: A parked car's temperature can surge quickly and become life-threatening within minutes, even with the windows cracked.

• Put Essentials in the Back Seat: To avoid forgetting your child, always put your cell phone, PDA, gym bag and your purse or briefcase on the backseat. When you retrieve it at the end of the ride, you'll see your child.

• Set the Alarm on Your Cell Phone: This will serve as a reminder to drop your child off at daycare. Also, take your children inside the home first and then unload groceries, dry cleaning and other items. Establish a routine of always checking the back seat every time you exit the car to ensure no one is left behind. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.

• Never Assume: Don't count on a spouse or an older child to take a young child out of his or her carseat upon arrival at your destination. Always double check. Establish a plan with your child's babysitter or daycare provider to always phone you promptly if your child isn't dropped off as scheduled.

• Keep Vehicles Locked: Always set your parking brake and keep keys and/or remote openers out of reach of children.

• Hot Interior Surfaces Burn: Car surfaces can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the car seat or upholstery first.

• Don’t Let Kids Play in Vehicles: If a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks first as well as any swimming areas. Keep a teddy bear or other stuffed animal in the car seat when it's empty. When you put your child in the seat, move the animal to the front passenger seat to remind you that your baby's on board.

• Consider Using the Drive-Thru: When available, try to use curbside services at restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc.