Online information about the risks of children left alone in cars is available at http://ggweather.com/heat/, www.kidsandcars.org and www.safekids.org.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Parents running quick errands may think their children will remain safe and comfortable inside their cars. But even on mild spring days, bright sunshine can raise the temperature inside a car to dangerous levels. This can cause permanent injury or death. And on cold days, a child could suffer carbon monoxide poisoning in a car left idling with the heat on and windows closed.