As the temperature warms up, remember that it’s never safe for a child to be left alone in a car — even with the windows rolled down.

On average, 37 children die each year due to vehicular heatstroke in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These are preventable deaths.

These situations happen when:

• Parents or caregivers mistakenly forget that their children are left unattended in a car
• Children get into an unlocked car unbeknownst to parents or caregivers
• Children are left intentionally in a car by parents or caregivers who do not understand the dangers of a hot car. They may have a quick errand to run and not realize how fast a vehicle can heat up to deadly temperatures.

“A child’s body temperature can rise five times faster than an adult,” said Jennifer Rubin, Safe Kids Greater Sacramento coalition coordinator and injury prevention specialist at UC Davis Health. “Even if the outside temperature is relatively low, the vehicle’s interior temperature can rise very quickly.”

Experts recommend parents follow these tips:

1. Look before you lock. Get in the routine of checking the backseat every time you park your car.
2. Keep something you need in the backseat. Put your purse, cell phone, shoes or anything essential for your day in the backseat, so you’ll remember to go there before leaving the car.
3. Always lock the doors and put away the keys. This helps prevent kids from playing with keys or getting into the car without parents' knowledge.
4. Have a plan with your child care provider. If your child does not show up at daycare or school without prior notice, someone should call you.
5. If you see something, say something. If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1 immediately.

“It’s critical that all parents, caregivers and drivers understand that children should never be left alone in a car,” Rubin said, “not even for a minute.”