South Carolina Heat Safety Week: How to keep kids safe in warmer weather

SPARTANBURG. S.C. (WSPA) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared this week Heat Safety Week, reminding people about the risks that come with the warmer temperatures.

7NEWS spoke with parents and advocates about what safety measure you can take.

While it may not be summer just yet, temperatures in the Upstate are on the rise.

“Today is only 80, which isn’t that hot for South Carolina, but I am already keeping an eye on it because I am wearing black jeans today and I already feel the heat on me,” Bekca Rodgers, a Spartanburg parent said.

Rodgers added, as temperatures start to climb, she’s taking precautions.

“Some of my best practices are to try to get outside early in the day, so we are not outdoors when it’s hottest which is the afternoon, and keep an eye on things like plastic slides if there going to be too hot to safely go on and then of course to stay hydrated,” Rodgers said.

Program Coordinator for Safe Kids of the Piedmont, Penny Shaw, said a big heat-related danger isn’t outside.

“If a child is left alone in a hot car, the temperature rises 10 degrees every 20 minutes,” Shaw explained. “So, if it’s 73 degrees outside now, in 20 minutes it will be 83 and in an hour it would be 93 and it keeps going up.”

Shaw said children’s organs are sensitive to temperature.

“Once the body temperature gets over 104 degrees, organs begin to shut down so it is very important that we keep them cool,” she added.

Shaw said a common reason kids are left in the car is because parents forgot they were there.

“Its important to create reminders. So, ladies, I think you should put your purse in the back,” Shaw suggested. “Most ladies are not going to go outside anywhere to work or to the store without their purse.”

Shaw said another tip is to put your car seat on the right side of the car so you can see them in the drivers seat.

“You are going to see them in your rearview mirror, when you put them directly behind you a lot of times you won’t see them when you park,” said Shaw.

The last tip Shaw had was to keep your cell phone in the back seat.

“You shouldn’t be holding it anyway, so putting it in the pocket in the very back, in front of your child [it] can definitely keep you aware when [you] get out of the car and you don’t have your cell phone. Your child will be safer knowing that you have reminders in place,” said Shaw.

Safe Kids is holding a “Safe Kids Day” event May 4 at Morgan Square from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will provide safety tips on recreational activities along with prizes and resources.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.