Dear Friends,

Recently, in the span of one week, eight young children from across the United States lost their lives after being left alone in hot cars during our country’s record-breaking heat. In fact, you may not be aware that heatstroke– also known as hyperthermia - is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children under the age of 14.

As a result of these recent tragedies, Safe Kids Worldwide, a long-time partner of the GM Foundation, has issued a national alert to educate parents and caregivers on how to“ACT”to help prevent deaths and near-misses. To ACT means to:

• Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by:

• Never leaving your child alone in the car, even for a minute.
• Consistently locking unattended vehicle doors and trunks.

• Create reminders and habits that give you and your child’s caregiver a safety net:

• Establish a peace-of-mind plan. When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting all other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times.
• Place a purse, briefcase, gym bag, cell phone or an item that is needed at your next stop in a back seat.
• Set the alarm on your cell phone or computer calendar as a reminder to drop your child off at childcare.

• Take action if you see an unattended child in a vehicle:
• Dial 911 immediately and follow the instructions that emergency personnel provide – they are trained to determine if a child is in danger.

For more information on Hyperthermia, visit www.safekids.org or read this informative blog recently written by Safe Kids Worldwide President and CEO Kate Carr. By working together to spread the word about hyperthermia, we will save lives.

Warmest Regards,
Vivian R. Pickard
President, General Motors Foundation