The Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD) - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency is warning residents about the dangers of heatstroke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heatstroke is the leading cause of death for children in vehicles, aside from car crashes. The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO), Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) join the ICPHD- EMS Agency each year to raise awareness and help prevent these tragedies by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke and leaving children in hot cars.

“As outside temperatures rise, the risk of children dying from being left alone inside a hot vehicle also rises,” said Cedric Ceseña, Deputy Chief with the Imperial County Fire Department. “What is most tragic is that the majority of these deaths could have been prevented.”

The ICPHD–EMS Agency, CHP, ICSO, and ICFD urge parents and caregivers to follow these simple steps:

1. Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended, even if the engine is running and the air conditioner is on.

2. Make it a habit to check the back seat every time you exit the car.

3. Always lock the car and keep keys out of children’s reach.

A child’s body temperature can rise up to five times faster than an adult. Parents and caregivers should also be aware of the warning signs of heatstroke, which include red, hot, and dry skin; no sweating; a rapid or weak pulse; nausea; confusion; or unusual behavior. If a child shows any of these symptoms after being in a hot vehicle, cool them immediately using cool water and never use an ice bath. Call 911 right away.

According to NHTSA, 31 children lost their lives due to heatstroke from being left in hot vehicles in 2025. Since 1998, more than 1,000 children have died due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke.

Thirteen years ago, NHTSA launched the “Prevent Hot Car Deaths: STOP. LOOK. LOCK.” campaign to help raise awareness and save lives. Educational materials from this campaign have been shared with local healthcare providers and childcare sites throughout the county.

To learn more about NHTSA’s “Prevent Hot Car Deaths: STOP.LOOK. LOCK.” campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke.