37 Children Die in Hot Car Tragedies Each Year; Learn Prevention Tips Today

May 1, 2024

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks National Heatstroke Prevention Day, and in recognition, JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW) are reminding parents, caregivers, and neighbors about the dangers of heatstroke and sharing strategies to prevent child injuries and deaths in hot vehicles.


Since 1998, an alarming 969 children have been killed in hot car tragedies—an average of 37 children each year. Thousands more have survived with varying types and severities of injury. These tragedies have occurred regardless of parent or caregiver education, profession, income, and other demographics, and all could have been prevented.


Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to cool itself quickly enough. Young children are particularly at risk, since a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's. When a child's internal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit, major organs begin to shut down, and when their temperature reaches 107 degrees, the child can die.


Hot car deaths have occurred when the outside temperature was below 60 degrees, because vehicle interiors become much hotter than outside temperatures. Research shows the temperature inside a car can heat up 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. Cracking the windows does not slow the heating process or significantly decrease the maximum temperature of a vehicle.


"Half of hot car deaths occur when children are inadvertently left in vehicles by caregivers, and these cases typically follow a change in routine," said JPMA Director of Child Passenger Safety Joe Colella. "With easy behavioral changes, parents, caregivers, and neighbors can prevent these horrible tragedies."

A common scenario is that a parent may intend to drop a child off at daycare. Once on their way, the parent begins thinking about driving or the many things on their to-do list. If routines have changed, the parent is tired or stressed, or there are other distractions, the parent may head directly to work or home. Without a visual cue, they unknowingly leave the child in the vehicle.


"Safe Kids Worldwide, JPMA Cares, and other injury prevention groups are committed to ending these preventable tragedies to babies and young children," said SKW President Torine Creppy. "Whether you are a parent, a caregiver, or a concerned bystander, we're calling on everyone to be part of the solution and help save lives."


Beyond the children inadvertently left in vehicles, a quarter of hot car deaths occur when a small child enters a vehicle on their own, the door closes, and the child becomes trapped in the vehicle. Parents, caregivers, neighbors, and bystanders can prevent hot car deaths with the following steps:


  • Never leave a young child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
  • Look before you lock—develop a habit to check the rear seat each time you park the car.
  • Lock your vehicle's doors, and keep your keys and key fobs out of children's reach. Ask your neighbors to do the same.
  • Create reminders. Put something in the back of your car that you'll need at your final destination such as a phone, briefcase, or purse.
  • Arrange for your childcare provider to contact you right away if your child hasn't arrived as scheduled.
  • If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel wants you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations, and one call could save a life.


For more heatstroke prevention information and useful tips, visit safekids.org/heatstroke or jpmacares.org/car-seat-safety-tips.


About JPMA Cares
JPMA Cares is the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the broader baby and children's products industry. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, JPMA Cares aims to create better outcomes for infants and toddlers by reducing preventable injuries and deaths and providing families in need with donations of time, talent, and product. Learn more and get involved at jpmacares.org. 


About Safe Kids Worldwide
Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-14 and build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention. For more information, visit safekids.org.


Safety Advocates Join Together on National Heatstroke Prevention Day to Prevent Hot Car Tragedies

May 1, 2025
An average of 37 children die each year, and all hot car tragedies are preventable MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., May 1, 2025 – As part of a collaborative effort to raise awareness about preventing hot car tragedies, representatives from JPMA Cares, Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW), and Kids and Car Safety are joining local health professionals, first responders, and safety advocates at the Mitchell Learning Academy in Jacksonville, Florida to share proven strategies and tips for parents, caregivers, and bystanders. Since 1990, at least 1,125 children have died from heatstroke while unattended in vehicles, including one preventable tragedy so far this year. On average, 37 children die each year–that’s one child every nine days. “Our goal is to make sure that heatstroke doesn’t claim the life of another child,” said Torine Creppy, president of SKW. “As temperatures rise and schedules change, there’s a real danger that we may see more tragedies this year. Losing one child is one too many, so we’re working with partners to preventing children from dying in hot cars by using every tool necessary, including awareness, education, technology, and advocacy.” Technologies to prevent hot car deaths are already available, and more continue to develop. Many vehicles have systems that remind the driver to check the back seat under certain conditions. Others have more advanced systems that sense the presence of a child or other vulnerable occupants. Several car seat brands have sensor systems that are paired with the driver’s smartphone to provide warnings when a child is unintentionally left behind. “Because children are precious and behavior is difficult to change, car seat and vehicle makers are voluntarily adding sensing and reminder features,” said Director of Child Passenger Safety for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Joe Colella. “These technologies help prevent hot car tragedies. However, even with advancing technology, I recommend that parents always practice ‘Stop, Look, Lock.’ At each destination, check your back seat and lock the doors before walking away.” Parents, caregivers, and bystanders are encouraged to help reduce the number of hot car deaths by taking the following steps: ● Look before you lock, and never leave a young child alone in a car, not even for a minute. ● Lock your doors, and keep your keys and key fobs out of the reach of children. Ask your neighbors to do the same. ● Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car that you’ll need at your final destination, such as a phone, briefcase, or purse. ● Arrange for your childcare provider to contact you right away if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled. ● If you see a child alone in a car, take action. Call 911. Emergency personnel are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life. For more information, please visit jpmacares.org/car-seat-safety-tips , safekids.org/heatstroke , and kidsandcars.org . Contact: Kali Peterson JPMA Cares kpeterson@jpma.org

Cribs for Kids, JPMA Cares, and Safe Kids Worldwide Launch Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program

March 6, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA, March 6, 2025 -- Cribs for Kids is proud to partner with JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide to launch the Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program, a nationwide initiative designed to break down barriers to safe sleep education and resources. Made possible through a generous grant from JPMA Cares, this program will provide essential infant safe sleep products, education, and community outreach support to organizations across the U.S. "Tragically, each year in the United States, about 3,700 babies die from sleep-related deaths, and underserved communities are impacted disproportionately," said JPMA Cares Executive Director Lisa Trofe. "That's why JPMA Cares is committed to supporting the important work of Cribs for Kids. Through our strong partnership, we will ensure parents and caregivers have the knowledge and resources they need to make safe sleep decisions for babies and young children. Together, we will advance the vital work of keeping babies safe while they sleep." The Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program specifically targets Safe Kids Worldwide Coalition Members and other like-minded organizations that are committed to safe sleep but face challenges in expanding their efforts. By combining the strengths of JPMA Cares' Safe Sleep Campaign, Cribs for Kids' extensive administrative, supply chain, and outreach expertise, and the dedication of Safe Kids Coalition Members, this collaboration aims to maximize impact and reach families in need. "We are proud to partner with Cribs for Kids and JPMA Cares to provide lifesaving safe sleep education and resources to families across the country," said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. "We believe collaboration and partnership are the best ways to reduce the frequency of the heartbreaking loss of so many babies, and we are committed to working together to make sure that all babies, in all communities, sleep safely." The Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program will award 20 Safe Kids Coalition Members or their collaborative partners with safe sleep products and educational materials to meet the needs of 20 families. Each of the 20 awarded organizations will receive: 20 Safe Sleep Survival Kits , each containing: A Cribette play yard and sheet A Snoozzzette wearable blanket A Sleep Baby Safe & Snug board book A pacifier Safe sleep education materials, including a brochure and door hanger Community Outreach Support , including: A Cribs for Kids Education Package (50 brochures, 50 door hangers, 25 fliers, 5 posters, and 2 Safe Sleep Sammi/Sasha Toy Kits) Safe Sleep Building Blocks marketing materials for program promotion Applications for the Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program will be accepted from March 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025 . Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit https://www.cribsforkids.org/building-blocks/ for more information and application details. "We are excited to work alongside JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide to ensure that more families receive the education and resources they need to practice safe sleep," said Cribs for Kids Chief Executive Officer Judy Bannon. "Through this grant program, we are breaking down barriers and creating lasting change in communities nationwide." Together, Cribs for Kids, JPMA Cares, and Safe Kids Worldwide are committed to ensuring that all babies have a safe place to sleep. By equipping organizations with essential resources, we are building a future where every family has access to lifesaving safe sleep education and products. Note to Editors: Any imagery of sleeping infants accompanying this story must adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Recommendations. For examples of safe sleep imagery, visit our Safe Sleep Lifestyle Photo Album or review our Safe Sleep Photography Guidelines on the Cribs for Kids website. About Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of infant injury and death from suffocation and SIDS in unsafe sleep environments. Since 1998, Cribs for Kids has been making an impact on reducing the rate of infant sleep-related deaths by providing safe sleep education to the public, free community-based programming, and distributing portable cribs and other safe sleep products to families in need. Cribs for Kids operates through a network of partner organizations who replicate our programs and distribute safe sleep products in their communities. About JPMA Cares JPMA Cares is the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the broader baby and children's products industry. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, JPMA Cares aims to create better outcomes for infants and toddlers by reducing preventable injuries and deaths and providing families in need with donations of time, talent, and product. About Safe Kids Worldwide Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-19 and build sustainable systems that support injury prevention. Safe Kids works with strategic partners and an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, sleep-related deaths, falls, burns, poisonings, and more. We achieve this work through a public health approach that includes research, interventions to educate and raise awareness, safety device distribution and advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels. Safe Kids also supports a worldwide alliance of like-minded organizations in more than 20 countries. Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org .

The Power of Three: Delta Children’s Legacy of Baby Safety

November 27, 2024
For the Shamie family, the safety and well-being of babies is more than a business—it’s a calling passed down through generations. Since its founding in 1968 by Louis Shamie Sr., Delta Children has become synonymous with safety and innovation in the juvenile products industry. Today, the next generation, led by his sons Joe and Sam Shamie, is carrying forward the family’s enduring commitment to creating safer products and giving back to the community. “The safety of children has been at the heart of our work for over five decades,” shares Joe Shamie, President of Delta Children. “We’ve seen how combining education, resources, and advocacy can create lasting change, which is why we’re passionate about supporting JPMA Cares and giving back.” As Delta Children prepares to pass its mission to the third generation, the Shamie family remains focused on fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility inspired by Louis Shamie Sr.’s original vision. “You have to give when you can,” reflects Joe Shamie. “By working together, we can provide families with the tools they need to make safer choices for their babies.” This GivingTuesday, he offers a clear call to action: “We need others in the industry to join us. Every contribution—whether it’s donating products, funds, or spreading awareness—makes a difference. Together, we can create a safer world for every child.” With champions like the Shamie family leading the way, the vision of a safer tomorrow is within reach—one crib, one family, and one life at a time. To learn more or contribute to JPMA Cares’ Safe Sleep Campaign, visit jpmacares.org .
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