Did you know that in 2018, 52 children died of heatstroke in hot cars across the country? Protect your children, disabled loved ones and pets by never leaving them alone in unattended vehicles.

The temperature inside a car can rapidly rise and create an emergency situation for a child or pet left inside. Heat related deaths are preventable - never leave a child or pet alone in a car, not even for a minute.

While the outside temperature may be only 80°, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, within only 10 minutes the inside temperature of the car can reach 99°, within 20 minutes, 109° and 114° in a half an hour. As you can see with the image taken at the University of Maryland Police Department, even on a relatively cooler and overcast summer day, the temperature inside the car can raise pretty quickly.

Here are some tips to help prevent a vehicle heat related emergency:

• Use a visual reminder like a toy or stuffed animal in the front seat when a child is in the car. Or, securely place your purse, wallet or phone in the backseat when traveling with a child.
• Keep your car locked when you're not in the vehicle to prevent children from getting in on their own.