Heat Safety: Hot car deaths & keeping children safe in rising temperatures

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Hot car deaths of children and babies are a real danger as the heat ramps up this summer.

WRBL spoke to a local doctor about what you can do to keep your children safe.

“Be prepared and know what your temperatures are going to be outside every day,” Dr. Dana Cason, director of Newborn Medical Services at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare said.

She reminded folks to double-check their children aren’t left in the car.

“That’s a big, huge problem. You see it across the United States all the time,” she said.

According to the National Safety Council, hot car deaths have claimed the lives of seven children so far this year. In 2024, nearly 40 children died of heat stroke due to being left in hot cars.

Cason also advised parents to protect their children in hot summer weather by avoiding direct sunlight, using sunscreen and making sure kids get plenty of food, water and electrolytes.