Mississippi post warns against leaving children in hot cars

A Facebook post urged Mississippi residents Tuesday to never leave a child in a hot car — not even for a minute — as summer temperatures rise across the state.

The post said parked vehicles can become deadly quickly. On a 90°F day, it said, the interior of a parked car can exceed 130°F in just 30 minutes, even with the windows cracked.

The post offered safety steps to reduce the risk: always check the back seat every time; set a reminder or place a personal item such as a phone, purse or briefcase in the back seat as a visual cue; lock the car when not in use so children cannot climb inside; and call 911 immediately if you see a child alone in a vehicle, the post said.

Children are especially vulnerable to heat because their bodies warm faster than adults’, and heat-related illness can become life-threatening in a short time. Public safety messages like the post aim to remind caregivers and bystanders of simple actions that can prevent tragedies.

This is a developing subject and will be updated as more information becomes available.