May 1st is National Heatstroke Prevention Day, a reminder that even a brief moment of distraction can have tragic consequences. Every year, children across the country lose their lives after being left in hot vehicles. It’s heartbreaking—and preventable.
You may think, “I’d never forget my child in the car.” But real life is hectic. Routines change, sleep is short, and stress can cloud judgment. It’s happened to parents, grandparents, and caregivers of all backgrounds. The risk is real—and the solution is simple.
That’s why the Portland Police Bureau joins safety advocates across the nation in urging you to adopt this life-saving habit:
STOP. LOOK. LOCK.
🔹 Stop before you walk away from your vehicle.
🔹 Look in the back seat—every single time.
🔹 Lock your car when it’s empty to prevent children from climbing in.
Even on a mild day, the inside of a parked car can heat up by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Cracking the windows doesn’t help. A child’s body heats up much faster than an adult’s, and heatstroke can occur quickly—even if you're just "running inside for a minute."
This May 1st, take a moment to commit to a habit that could save a life. Share the message. Talk to friends, family, and caregivers. Help raise awareness and prevent a tragedy.
You say you’d never forget. But it still happens.
Let’s make sure it doesn’t.
Stop. Look. Lock.
It only takes a moment.