Parents, firefighters give tips to prevent hot car deaths

Most people think they could never forget their children are in the back seat.

"Well with me, mine are too loud so I would never forget about them," said Jennifer Doss, a parent.

But statistics prove that it can, and does happen.

The National Safety Council says an average of 37 children die each year after being trapped inside a hot car, and Texas has had over 100 related deaths in the last 20 years.

The most recent hot car death in Texoma happened in Melissa in June of 2016, when Michael Thedford was indicted on manslaughter charges in the death of his six-month-old daughter.

Denison Fire and Rescue Emergency Management Coordinator Morgan Metcalf says the inside of a car can be hotter than the outside temperature.

"In less than 15 minutes, a child or an animal can suffer a heat stroke. I've read up to 170 degrees within an hour," said Metcalf.

Metcalf says always lock your car because if young kids get into your car, they can get trapped if they lock themselves in.

"Always check your back seat. Even if you think there is not a kid in the car, we've seen kids playing, get your car kids and slip in the back seat for whatever reason and can't get out," said Metcalf.