By Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

Summer errands are on everyone’s to do list, but while cashing a check at the bank or picking up the hamburger meat for tonight’s cookout, there are some valuables you might not want to leave in the car — your children.

“I do not believe that anyone would intentionally leave a child in the car knowing that heat ratio would change so rapidly,” Alabama Department of Child Abuse Prevention’s executive director Kelley Parris-Barnes said. “I think it’s absolutely a lack of education.”

The department’s “Not For a Minute” campaign, which is in its second year, is geared toward urging parents not to leave children alone in vehicles for any period of time.

According to the department, experts say that within the first five minutes, the temperature in an enclosed vehicle will raise an average of 20 degrees. Within 30 minutes, the heat can spike as high as 40 degrees above the original temperature.

“We’ve experienced some record heat so far, so we just want to make sure everyone’s aware not to leave them in the vehicle for a minute,” Parris-Barnes said.

Parris-Barnes said sleeping children are often forgotten in backseats and time alone in a turned off car is more dangerous for children.

“Babies and small children have a very immature respiratory system, and do not have the same ability to withstand heat as adults do,” Parris-Barnes said. “Their organs shut down faster, dehydration sets in rapidly, and it can quickly become an unintentional tragedy.”

To make sure you don’t forget a child accidentally, the department suggests putting something you’ll need, like your cell phone, purse or briefcase in the backseat, so you will be sure to check it before leaving your car.

The department also suggests that others who see children alone in vehicles to call 911.

Here are some other safety tips from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse Prevention:

When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks immediately.

Make sure all child passengers have left the vehicle after it is parked.

Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind.

Use drive-thru services when available.

Use your debit or credit card to pay for gas at the pump.