TULSA - It can happen to anyone at any time.
Dozens of kids across the US die each year during the summer months after accidentally being left in hot cars.
It may seem silly to use a technique to remember your child is in the car, but it could save your child’s life.
“It can. It can happen to anybody. It’s really scary," said Natalie Glesner.
Many parents are always on the go and simple errands, like running to Target can take longer than expected.
Glesner has a 3-year-old and 10-month-old child.
She said it is difficult as parent because there’s usually a lot going on. But no matter what she has to do, she said she never leaves them.
“It’s extra work, but that’s your job. You gotta take them with you. You can’t leave them,” Glesner said.
Glesner uses a car key as her reminder that kids are in the back.
“My key fob starts the car and I don’t really need it," Glesner said. "So, I just keep it back there. I have a little cubby spot and I put it in there. So, when I get out, I need it to lock the car. I can’t walk away without it and so it will chime if I’m away.”
AAA said if you can’t do that, try putting your cell phone or purse by the car seat and that way you have to check the backseat before getting out.
“One of the best ones I’ve heard is to take off your non-driving shoe and place it with baby," said Mark Madeja, Oklahoma's AAA Spokesman. "You don’t need that to hit the gas and break pedal. As soon as you get out of the car, you’ll realize one shoe off, one shoe on."
There are also options to install on your phone.
The navigation app Waze can send out a reminder message when you arrive at your destination, alerting you that a child is in the car.
And if you see something, do something.
Always call 911 if you see a baby alone in a car.
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