In 2016 Ambulance Victoria were called to a 1562 incidents involving children left unattended in cars - an average of four call outs per day.

Launching the thirteenth annual Kidsafe Do Not Leave Children in Cars awareness campaign, Jason Chambers, General Manager of Kidsafe Victoria, said a safety sign on the front door of all Early Childhood Centres would see tens of thousands of parents and carers reminded twice daily about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.

The Kidsafe safety signs would also stimulate important discussion among parents and carers about this life threatening issue.

Kidsafe Victoria believes the installation of these signs could be part of the planning permit for all new Early Childhood Centres, shopping centres and part of local government community safety and planning policies.

Moonee Valley City Council, the City of Greater Geelong, Wyndham City, the City of Casey, Hume City Council and the Shire of Baw Baw have all introduced Kidsafe's 'Do Not Leave Children in Cars' warning signs across their municipalities. Federation Square has installed signs on the entry to its car parks, while the signs are also located in Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS) centres across the State.

Mr Chambers said the combination of a hectic Christmas and New Year shopping period and the increasing number of hot days over summer, adds to the risk of children being left unattended in cars.

"The temperature inside a parked car can be 20-30 degrees hotter than outside. Children are particularly at risk because they can lose fluid quickly, become dehydrated and suffer from heatstroke which can be life threatening."

"Kidsafe Victoria's advice is if you have to leave the car, take the children with you," said Mr Chambers.

Online Community Awareness Program
Kidsafe Victoria is continuing to use social media to spread lifesaving information about the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars to parents and the wider community, through community groups, local government, Members of Parliament and early childhood centres.

Mr Chambers said Kidsafe Victoria were asking these groups to download and share the free fact sheet and infographics to help raise awareness of how quickly the temperature can rise inside a parked car and the potentially life threatening situation that this can result in for children who are left unattended.

How to Join the KIDSAFE Do Not Leave Children In Cars Campaign
Visit the Kidsafe Victoria website to access a range of promotional resources including posters, fact sheets and car park signs, which can be used to raise awareness amongst your local community.

Local Council Community Awareness Kit
Early Childhood Centre Community Awareness Kit
Children left unattended in cars fact sheet

Further information on the campaign is available at http://www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/hot-cars

Download the graphic below and share on your social media accounts to help raise awareness this summer.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Kidsafe Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201