Look B4 You Lock

Look before you lock.

Heatstroke can happen fast, and it can happen to anyone—even the most careful parent. Every year, children and pets die of heatstroke after being left inside a hot car. The good news is, these tragedies are almost always preventable. 

Every year local businesses and non-profits join law enforcement, rallying behind Look Before You Lock, helping spread the message far and wide that you check your backseat every time you park.

“Parents want to make sure their kids are transported safely and correctly. That’s why we’re here.”

— Carma McKinnon: Child Passenger Safety Coordinator for Idaho

“There is an inherent risk whenever you leave a child in a car unattended. Take them with you, no matter how short the errand.”

— Captain Zack W: Ada County Sheriff’s Office

Car Safety Tips to Prevent Heatstroke

  • Plan ahead / plan errands accordingly. Leave pets at home on shopping days or when meeting friends for lunch.
  • Use a physical reminder, like leaving your phone or purse in the backseat to prompt a check.
  • Use your “Rear Seat Reminder” if you have one, it’s there to help.
  • At home, keep your car locked to prevent kids from getting in and locking themselves inside.
  • No matter what, take your child with you. Even if they’re asleep. Even for quick errands.

Featured

Look Before You Lock: How to Prevent Child Heatstroke in Idaho
Every year, children and pets die of heatstroke after being left inside a hot car. Here’s how you can prevent that from happening in Idaho.
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Child Heatstroke Deaths
15

In 2025, 31 children died of heatstroke in vehicles in the US.

Faster Than An Adult
0 x

A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s.

Core Body Temp
75 °

Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees. Death occurs at a core body temperature of 107 or above.

In a Hot Car
0 min

Left in a hot car, heatstroke can occur after only 10 minutes.

Child Heatstroke Resources

Find resources to learn, educate and spread the word about child heatstroke.

View Resources

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