“Not Even for A Minute” Campaign Reminds Parents to Never Leave Children Unattended In Vehicles

The Montana Children’s Trust Fund’s is promoting the ‘Not Even for a Minute’ campaign that reminds parents and caregivers to never leave children unattended in or around vehicles. Grant Manager Jamey Petersen Missoula Children’s Trust Fund said if a child is left in a hot car, even a short time, they are in danger of heatstroke, dehydration, overheating, hyperthermia, injury, abduction and even death.

"According to kidsincars.org, 38 children die in hot cars every year," Petersen said. "It's definitely something we all need to think about. Even though people think, you know, it's a cooler day, I'm just going to run in for a gallon of milk. Next thing you know, you're in line for 10 minutes. In the long run, it's just better to be safe rather than sorry because it is preventable."

Petersen said Montana has had a few deaths in the past 10 years due to children being left in cars; she adds that one child, though, is already one too many.

"You're encouraged to call 9-1-1. It's just better to be safe than sorry. I mean, you never know. Someone could jump in the car with that child and drive off. It's always just better to be safe than sorry and encouraged nationally to call 9-1-1."

Nationally, 44 children died in 2013 from being left in a hot car and 23 have been reported so far this year.