The summer heat is here we've been experiencing above average temperatures. When the mercury rises, so does the risk of an unthinkable tragedy. Parents, relatives and child care providers should be very aware that kids are very succeptable to excessive heat exposure (hyperthermia).

Every year more than 30 children die because they are left alone in a vehicle. Sunlight coming through the vehicle windows makes the vehicle work like an oven. Temperatures in the vehicle can reach well over 140 degrees. It only takes a few short minutes before a child can become overheated. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open. Teach children to never play in any vehicle. Lock all vehicle doors and trunk after everyone has exited the vehicle, especially at home. You should always keep keys out of the reach of children. Vehicles are not playgrounds or babysitters. Always check vehicles and trunks first if a child goes missing.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that even with the windows of a car opened two inches, the interior temperature can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who are left unattended in parked cars are at the greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.

Leaving the engine on or the windows down creates other hazards. Children have accidentally shifted cars into gear, gotten caught in power windows, and been abducted when left unattended in running vehicles.

Warning signs that your child is in distress due to heat. Red, hot and moist or dry skin No sweating A strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse Nausea or acting strangely Cool the child rapidly & call 9-1-1 immediately