A warning to parents:

Don’t leave children or pets in your car while you shop or do other business.

Leaving your child or pet in a closed car in summer heat can be fatal.

The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control said 20 deaths in hot cars have been recorded since 1998, the most recent last week in Spartanburg.

Children are particularly vulnerable to hot car deaths because their ability to regulate their body temperature isn’t fully developed.

Their body temperature warms 3- to 5-times faster than an adult’s.

“Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach life threat ening levels even on mild or cloudy days,” said Dr. Virginie Daguise, Director of DHEC’s Bureau of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention. “There is no safe amount of time to leave a child in a car, and it’s unsafe to leave a child with the windows down.”

The National Safety Council and DHEC recommend “Look before you lock” – meaning, always look in your back seat for a child before locking your car and leaving it parked.

Parents and caregivers should stick to a routine and avoid distractions to reduce the risk of forgetting a child.

If you do have a change in routine, such as your parent or spouse dropping off your child instead of you, ask that they communicate with you to confirm drop-off.

Place your purse, briefcase, or even a shoe in the back seat to force you to take one last look before walking away.

Keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access and teach them that cars are not play areas.

Ask your babysitter or childcare provider to call you if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.

“Anyone commuting, traveling, or running an errand with a child in tow should be vigilant so the child, especially if he or she is sleeping, isn’t left behind.