Summer break is a great time to remind parents and guardians about car safety and the dangers of hot cars. For the past several years, the Polk County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health has been distributing free child car seats to Polk County residents. Since the program began, the Agency has provided nearly 70 car seats to families in need.

“The Agency started off with distributing 7 car seats in 2019-2020, and this year (2021-2022) we have distributed 40,” said Polk County Health and Human Services Director Joshua Kennedy. “The need is certainly there, and we have dedicated team members who will also teach parents and guardians how to properly install the car seat. Each seat we distribute is a life saved.”

A properly installed and used car seat reduces the risk for injury by 71-82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone. Polk County residents in need of a car seat are encouraged to call 828-894-8271 to learn if your family is eligible to receive a free car seat and installation education from one of our nationally-certified car seat safety technicians.

Polk County Health and Human Services Agency also reminds caregivers of children to “check that backseat” before walking away from your car. Summer is here and temperatures inside a car can rise 20 degrees in just minutes, leading to heat stroke of those left behind according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Almost 900 children have died since 1998 due to being left or trapped in a hot car.

NHTSA’s “Where’s Baby Campaign” suggests:

1. If you see a child alone in a locked car, get them out immediately and call 911. A child in distress due to heat should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and rapidly cooled.

2. Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended — even if the windows are partially open or the engine is running, and the air conditioning is on.

3. Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle — front and back — before locking the door and walking away. Train yourself to Park, Look, Lock, or always ask yourself, “Where’s Baby?”

4. Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesn’t show up for care as expected.

5. Place a personal item like a purse or briefcase in the back seat, as another reminder to look before you lock. Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger’s seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat.

6. Store car keys out of a child’s reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.

For more information about NHTSA’s “Where’s Baby?” campaign, check out their website.