How to keep children safe in a heat wave; 10 reported deaths in the US in 2024

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As temperatures continue to rise in the coming days, experts are reminding people that it will be even hotter inside a vehicle.

According to No Heat Stroke, the temperature inside a vehicle can be up to 50 times higher than outside.

This year, 10 children have died nationally after being left in cars, according to Kids and Car Safety. Just last week, three children died after being trapped in vehicles during severe heat.

In May, three children died. In June, two more deaths occurred, and so far in July, four children have died, according to Kids and Car Safety.

Last year, there were 29 reported deaths nationwide of children in hot vehicles, according to the National Weather Service Organization. The National Safety Council reports that the most recent child death in Missouri occurred in Jasper County in 2022.

With Saturday's extreme heat, the Missouri Department of Public Safety advises staying indoors as often as possible, never leaving children or pets in a vehicle, and covering your windows.

Research by the National Safety Council shows that vehicles can become dangerously hot quickly, even when the outside temperature is moderate.

No Heat Stroke emphasizes that hot car child deaths are 100% preventable. It's recommended people always keep their car locked and keys out of reach to ensure children cannot get back inside.