MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein have launched Nassau County’s Child Safe Summer initiative, a multimedia awareness campaign for summer safety concerns. Temperatures in Nassau County can reach uncomfortable, unhealthy levels during the summer. County Executive Curran and Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein remind residents to not leave a child or pet in a car, even for a quick errand. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first ten minutes. Children and pets that are left unattended in parked cars are at the greatest risk for heat-related illnesses and possibly death. The new website nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer, provides the latest safe summer health updates, advice, alerts and information.
“In the summer cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly and anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death,” said County Executive Curran. “I strongly urge all residents to take extra precautions to make sure no one is left in the car – not even with the windows open.”
“It only takes a few minutes for temperatures to significantly rise inside a care, even with the windows cracked,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein. “When leaving your, please check that everyone is out of the car, especially a child who may have fallen asleep.”
County Executive Curran suggests following the tips below to help kids stay safe this summer and all year long. For more information, please visit: nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer.
HOT CAR SAFETY TIPS
- Never leave children, adults, or pets alone inside a vehicle, even if the windows are open.
- Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car, do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
- To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
- If a child or pet is showing signs of a heat-related illnesses, seek medical attention immediately.