On average, 38 children in the United States have died each year since 1998 from being left in a sweltering car.

National statistics show that as of July 27, 2015, there have been 11 reported fatalities due to children being left in the car. And, some of the hottest days of summer are still ahead.

The photo above are the faces only a few who have perished in hot cars while left unattended.

To date, none of the 11 children who have died this year have been from Montana, according to Jon Ebelt, public information officer for the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

State health officials are hoping to keep it that way.

The Montana Children’s Trust Fund’s is promoting the ‘Not Even for a Minute’ campaign that reminds parents and caregivers to never leave children unattended in or around vehicles, according to DPHHS.

Left alone in a vehicle for even a short time, a child is in danger of heatstroke, overheating, hyperthermia, injury, abduction and even death.

DPHHS officials saiid no child should ever be put in that situation.

“There have been deaths and several close calls over the years in Montana, so it’s something we all need to be vigilant about,” said Montana Children’s Trust Fund Director Jamey Petersen.

Temperatures in cars soar quickly, said Melissa Lavinder of the DPHHS Children’s Trust Fund.

“Even with a window cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach very dangerous temperatures within minutes,” Lavinder said. “When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s body temperature may increase three to five times as quickly as an adult. In these extreme conditions, children can die or suffer a permanent disability in a matter of minutes.”

DPHHS has compiled a list of tips:

  • Make your child as visible as possible.
  • Place your purse, briefcase, or whatever is to be carried from the car in the back seat with your child to serve as an additional reason to check that area.
  • Set a reminder on your cell phone or computer to be sure you dropped your child off at day care.
  • Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.
  • Remember to use drive-through convenience provided by banks, restaurants, and other businesses.
  • Pay at the pump at gas stations.
  • Prevent trunk entrapment and other accidents.
  • Teach your children the dangers of a car and let them know that it is not a toy or playground.
  • Always lock your car, even at home, and remind your friends and neighbors to do the same. Unlocked cars pose a risk to children who are naturally curious.
  • Always put your keys in a safe and secure place out of children’s reach.
  • Check pools, vehicles, and car trunks immediately when a child is missing.
If you see an unattended child in a car, dial 911 immediately and follow the instructions that emergency personnel provide.

 

More From KBUL NEWS TALK 970 AM & 103.3 FM