The East Peoria Fire Department is participating in the Safe Kids Worldwide campaign reminding people to never leave children alone in a hot car and to lock unattended vehicles.
Safe Kids Worldwide estimates more than half of the cases of children getting trapped are accidental, nearly 30 percent happen when a child is playing in unlocked and unattended vehicles, and less than 20 percent of cases happen because a caregiver intentionally leaves a child.
Regardless of how it happens, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. Heat stress and disorientation can happen quickly for a child in hot car.
The onset of 90 degree temperatures brings the East Peoria Fire Department’s reminder.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is also cautioning people to be mindful of wise hot weather practices.