Following Saturday's tragedy in St. Paul, it's time to refresh ourselves on the best safety practices regarding hot automobiles during our warm Minnesota months.

The National Safety Council says in 2018, 52 children died in hot cars. It was the deadliest year on record in the past 20 years. Since 1998, almost 800 children have died from vehicular heatstroke; 24% occurred in employer parking lots while the parent or caregiver was at work.

Even on mild or cloudy days, temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels. Leaving windows slightly open doesn't help. Children should never be left unattended or be able to get inside a vehicle.

Weather.gov/State Farm
Weather.gov/State Farm
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Even at Saturday's 70° temps, interior vehicle temps can rise above 100° in a short amount of time.

WEATHER
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You can educate yourself and everyone you know about this danger. The National Safety Council offers a free online course about the danger of vehicular heatstroke in children, the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying and what we all can do to prevent these deaths.

You can complete and share this training now at nsc.org/hotcars.

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