05/21/2026
Northport Fire Department is reminding all parents and caregivers of the serious and potentially deadly dangers of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.
- A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s, placing them at severe risk of heatstroke, which can cause irreversible injury or death.
Experts say temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise about 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, on a warm day, even if the windows are cracked.
The same precautions should be taken for pets.
With that said, Northport Fire Rescue would suggest these tips to tips to help out.
- Always check the back seat before locking and leaving your vehicle. Make it a routine to open the back door every time you park.
- Place your purse, phone, or other essential item in the back seat next to the child’s car seat so you check every time.
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
- If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
