Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Why Hot Car Safety Matters (Information & Stats)
Even on mild days, a parked car can become dangerously hot in minutes. Children are at risk of heatstroke, injury, accidental entrapment, and more.
How Hot Does A Car Get?
If the exterior temperature is 80°F, then inside temperature is:
Quick Facts
- Cracking a window does NOT make it safe
- Air conditioning turned off = danger increases quickly
- A child’s body temperature heats up 3-5x faster than an adult’s
- Even 60-70 degree weather can be dangerous
Prevention Habits / Build a Safety Routine
Look Before You Lock, check the back seat every time.
Never Rely on Memory Alone, Create Reminders for Yourself:
- Put your phone, purse, work badge, or shoe in the back seat to remember to check the backseat
- Place a stuffed animal in the car seat and move it to the front seat when a baby is buckled in to remind you
- Ask daycare to call if your child doesn’t arrive as expected
- Use rear seat reminder technology if your vehicle has it
If You See a Child Alone in A Car
Step-by-step emergency guidance:
- If the child appears responsive and okay
- Call 911 immediately
- Try to locate the parent/caregiver
- Stay with the child until help/supervision arrive
- If the child appears unresponsive or in distress:
- Call 911 immediately
- Get the child out as quickly as possible
- Move them to a cooler place
- Begin cooling efforts if appropriate while waiting for Emergency Management Services (EMS)
Need help with car seat safety?
All Campaign Material
These materials regarding hot car safety are free of charge and available by completing the PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM. Some materials are also available for downloading.
| Thumbnail | Title | Description | Medium | Languages / Links |
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Car Seat Safety | This brochure and poster provide helpful tips regarding car seat safety and properly securing children at every growth stage. | Download | Brochure English Spanish Poster English Spanish |
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Hot Car Safety | (Available as a poster and in 4x10) These materials warn that leaving children unattended in a car can result in dehydration, injury or death. |
Print / Download | Poster English Panel Card English Spanish |
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Safety Tips To Keep Kids Protected this Summer |
Print / Download | English Spanish Korean |
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Hot Car Safety | These materials warn that leaving children unattended in a car can result in dehydration, injury or death. | Download (ZIP) | |
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Hot Car Safety Window Cling | Vinyl Decal / Download |
