As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, the Community Investment for Families Department’s (CIFD) Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is reminding the public about the dangers of heatstroke and the risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
May 1 is National Heatstroke Prevention Day, and OTS is using the month of May to raise awareness and help keep children and communities safe. In 2025, there were more than 30 child vehicular heatstroke fatalities nationwide.
To help educate and empower the community, CIFD is partnering with its Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP) FamilySource Center to provide a free heatstroke prevention workshop for families on May 2.
“Our goal is simple: prevent tragedies before they happen,” said Abigail R. Marquez, CIFD General Manager. “Our workshops provide critical, life-saving information, and our certified team is proud to offer them in partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety. By giving families the right tools and information, we can save lives.”
With record-breaking temperatures becoming more common—particularly across the Los Angeles region—children face an increased risk of heatstroke, which can occur in just minutes. The three most common scenarios include:
- a child forgotten in the backseat;
- a child gaining access to a vehicle on their own;
- a child knowingly left in a vehicle by a caregiver.
OTS urges families and caregivers to take the following precautions:
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
- Always lock your car when it is not in use and keep keys out of children’s reach.
- Place a reminder item (such as a phone, purse, or work badge) in the backseat when traveling with a child.
- If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately and follow instructions.
Vehicular heatstroke deaths are 100 percent preventable, and CIFD reminds everyone to always “Look Before You Lock."