On a hot summer day the interior temperature of a car can climb to more than 120 degrees in less than 20 minutes. A child's body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than that of an adult, and heatstroke and death can occur within minutes.

In the last 10 years, almost 400 children across the U-S----most of them under three years of age--have died after being left alone in a car. Some of these children became trapped while playing in the car, and others were left behind while their parent ran an errand. And sadly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many of these incidents happened when a caregiver accidentally forgot a child was in the car.

Remember these tips:

• Never, ever leave your child alone in the car! Even for a minute!
• Lock your doors and trunk when your car is parked in the driveway or garage. Keep keys and door openers away from your child’s reach.
• Teach your children not to play in or around cars.
• Put your child's diaper bag or other belonging on the front seat so you will be reminded she/he is in the car.
• Watch children closely around vehicles, particularly when loading and unloading. Check to ensure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don't allow sleeping infants to remain in the vehicle.
• Be especially careful if you're dropping off infants or children at day care and that's not part of your normal routine. Have your day care provider contact you if your child does not show up on a day they are expected.