Safety Advocates Join Together on National Heatstroke Prevention Day to Prevent Hot Car Tragedies

May 1, 2025

An average of 37 children die each year, and all hot car tragedies are preventable

 

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., May 1, 2025 – As part of a collaborative effort to raise awareness about preventing hot car tragedies, representatives from JPMA Cares, Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW), and Kids and Car Safety are joining local health professionals, first responders, and safety advocates at the Mitchell Learning Academy in Jacksonville, Florida to share proven strategies and tips for parents, caregivers, and bystanders. 

 

Since 1990, at least 1,125 children have died from heatstroke while unattended in vehicles, including one preventable tragedy so far this year. On average, 37 children die each year–that’s one child every nine days.

 

“Our goal is to make sure that heatstroke doesn’t claim the life of another child,” said Torine Creppy, president of SKW. “As temperatures rise and schedules change, there’s a real danger that we may see more tragedies this year. Losing one child is one too many, so we’re working with partners to preventing children from dying in hot cars by using every tool necessary, including awareness, education, technology, and advocacy.”

 

Technologies to prevent hot car deaths are already available, and more continue to develop. Many vehicles have systems that remind the driver to check the back seat under certain conditions. Others have more advanced systems that sense the presence of a child or other vulnerable occupants. Several car seat brands have sensor systems that are paired with the driver’s smartphone to provide warnings when a child is unintentionally left behind.

 

“Because children are precious and behavior is difficult to change, car seat and vehicle makers are voluntarily adding sensing and reminder features,” said Director of Child Passenger Safety for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Joe Colella. “These technologies help prevent hot car tragedies. However, even with advancing technology, I recommend that parents always practice ‘Stop, Look, Lock.’ At each destination, check your back seat and lock the doors before walking away.”

 

Parents, caregivers, and bystanders are encouraged to help reduce the number of hot car deaths by taking the following steps:

 

●       Look before you lock, and never leave a young child alone in a car, not even for a minute.

●       Lock your doors, and keep your keys and key fobs out of the reach of children. Ask your neighbors to do the same.

●       Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car that you’ll need at your final destination, such as a phone, briefcase, or purse.

●       Arrange for your childcare provider to contact you right away if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.

●       If you see a child alone in a car, take action. Call 911. Emergency personnel are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

 

For more information, please visit jpmacares.org/car-seat-safety-tips, safekids.org/heatstroke, and kidsandcars.org.

 

Contact:

Kali Peterson

JPMA Cares

kpeterson@jpma.org

Cribs for Kids, JPMA Cares, and Safe Kids Worldwide Launch Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program

March 6, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA, March 6, 2025 -- Cribs for Kids is proud to partner with JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide to launch the Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program, a nationwide initiative designed to break down barriers to safe sleep education and resources. Made possible through a generous grant from JPMA Cares, this program will provide essential infant safe sleep products, education, and community outreach support to organizations across the U.S. "Tragically, each year in the United States, about 3,700 babies die from sleep-related deaths, and underserved communities are impacted disproportionately," said JPMA Cares Executive Director Lisa Trofe. "That's why JPMA Cares is committed to supporting the important work of Cribs for Kids. Through our strong partnership, we will ensure parents and caregivers have the knowledge and resources they need to make safe sleep decisions for babies and young children. Together, we will advance the vital work of keeping babies safe while they sleep." The Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program specifically targets Safe Kids Worldwide Coalition Members and other like-minded organizations that are committed to safe sleep but face challenges in expanding their efforts. By combining the strengths of JPMA Cares' Safe Sleep Campaign, Cribs for Kids' extensive administrative, supply chain, and outreach expertise, and the dedication of Safe Kids Coalition Members, this collaboration aims to maximize impact and reach families in need. "We are proud to partner with Cribs for Kids and JPMA Cares to provide lifesaving safe sleep education and resources to families across the country," said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. "We believe collaboration and partnership are the best ways to reduce the frequency of the heartbreaking loss of so many babies, and we are committed to working together to make sure that all babies, in all communities, sleep safely." The Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program will award 20 Safe Kids Coalition Members or their collaborative partners with safe sleep products and educational materials to meet the needs of 20 families. Each of the 20 awarded organizations will receive: 20 Safe Sleep Survival Kits , each containing: A Cribette play yard and sheet A Snoozzzette wearable blanket A Sleep Baby Safe & Snug board book A pacifier Safe sleep education materials, including a brochure and door hanger Community Outreach Support , including: A Cribs for Kids Education Package (50 brochures, 50 door hangers, 25 fliers, 5 posters, and 2 Safe Sleep Sammi/Sasha Toy Kits) Safe Sleep Building Blocks marketing materials for program promotion Applications for the Safe Sleep Building Blocks Grant Program will be accepted from March 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025 . Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit https://www.cribsforkids.org/building-blocks/ for more information and application details. "We are excited to work alongside JPMA Cares and Safe Kids Worldwide to ensure that more families receive the education and resources they need to practice safe sleep," said Cribs for Kids Chief Executive Officer Judy Bannon. "Through this grant program, we are breaking down barriers and creating lasting change in communities nationwide." Together, Cribs for Kids, JPMA Cares, and Safe Kids Worldwide are committed to ensuring that all babies have a safe place to sleep. By equipping organizations with essential resources, we are building a future where every family has access to lifesaving safe sleep education and products. Note to Editors: Any imagery of sleeping infants accompanying this story must adhere to the American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Sleep Recommendations. For examples of safe sleep imagery, visit our Safe Sleep Lifestyle Photo Album or review our Safe Sleep Photography Guidelines on the Cribs for Kids website. About Cribs for Kids Cribs for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of infant injury and death from suffocation and SIDS in unsafe sleep environments. Since 1998, Cribs for Kids has been making an impact on reducing the rate of infant sleep-related deaths by providing safe sleep education to the public, free community-based programming, and distributing portable cribs and other safe sleep products to families in need. Cribs for Kids operates through a network of partner organizations who replicate our programs and distribute safe sleep products in their communities. About JPMA Cares JPMA Cares is the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the broader baby and children's products industry. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, JPMA Cares aims to create better outcomes for infants and toddlers by reducing preventable injuries and deaths and providing families in need with donations of time, talent, and product. About Safe Kids Worldwide Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-19 and build sustainable systems that support injury prevention. Safe Kids works with strategic partners and an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, sleep-related deaths, falls, burns, poisonings, and more. We achieve this work through a public health approach that includes research, interventions to educate and raise awareness, safety device distribution and advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels. Safe Kids also supports a worldwide alliance of like-minded organizations in more than 20 countries. Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org .

The Power of Three: Delta Children’s Legacy of Baby Safety

November 27, 2024
For the Shamie family, the safety and well-being of babies is more than a business—it’s a calling passed down through generations. Since its founding in 1968 by Louis Shamie Sr., Delta Children has become synonymous with safety and innovation in the juvenile products industry. Today, the next generation, led by his sons Joe and Sam Shamie, is carrying forward the family’s enduring commitment to creating safer products and giving back to the community. “The safety of children has been at the heart of our work for over five decades,” shares Joe Shamie, President of Delta Children. “We’ve seen how combining education, resources, and advocacy can create lasting change, which is why we’re passionate about supporting JPMA Cares and giving back.” As Delta Children prepares to pass its mission to the third generation, the Shamie family remains focused on fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility inspired by Louis Shamie Sr.’s original vision. “You have to give when you can,” reflects Joe Shamie. “By working together, we can provide families with the tools they need to make safer choices for their babies.” This GivingTuesday, he offers a clear call to action: “We need others in the industry to join us. Every contribution—whether it’s donating products, funds, or spreading awareness—makes a difference. Together, we can create a safer world for every child.” With champions like the Shamie family leading the way, the vision of a safer tomorrow is within reach—one crib, one family, and one life at a time. To learn more or contribute to JPMA Cares’ Safe Sleep Campaign, visit jpmacares.org .

For GivingTuesday, JPMA Cares Aims to Raise $20K to Help Babies Sleep Safely

November 19, 2024
MT. LAUREL, N.J., Nov. 19, 2024 -- As the annual GivingTuesday celebration nears, JPMA Cares —the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)—aims to unleash the power of people and organizations to form a future where babies no longer die from preventable deaths. The nonprofit organization has a goal to raise $20,000 for its Safe Sleep Campaign by the end of GivingTuesday on December 3, 2024. In a testament to shared belief and unwavering commitment, three former chief staff executives of JPMA have pledged to match the donations three to one for a total potential match of $60,000. Collectively, they are calling this "The Power of Three" pledge. Their generosity exemplifies leadership rooted in compassion, and their hope is to inspire others to do the same. "We've made significant strides in baby safety over the years, yet challenges remain," shared Bill MacMillan, CAE, former JPMA Executive Director, and current JPMA Cares Board Member. "I believe in this mission, and contributing to ensure safe sleep for infants feels like the most meaningful way to give back."  Bob Waller, Jr., CAE, former Executive Director for JPMA, current President & CEO of Association Headquarters (JPMA's management company for the past 46 years), and current JPMA Cares Board Member, added, "I want our safe sleep efforts to reach even more families as we build toward greater impact. I'm also a father and soon-to-be grandfather and feel personally called to support this cause." "Safe sleep for infants is a pressing concern in our country," noted Mike Dwyer, CAE, former JPMA Executive Director, current Association Headquarters Chief Executive Relationship Officer, and current JPMA President. "Supporting families to ensure they have awareness of—and products for—safe sleep practices is critical." The support from MacMillan, Waller, and Dwyer demonstrates how belief in a mission can inspire actions that create lasting change and hope. This year, JPMA Cares has: Amplified safe sleep best practices to expectant and new parents through videos on hospital network television Provided crucial safety information cards to expectant parents and caregivers, promoting awareness and education to support safer choices Distributed baby products to families affected by recent natural disasters "In 2022 alone, about 3,700 babies died from sleep-related deaths in the U.S. With your donations helping us to achieve 'The Power of Three' pledge, JPMA Cares will be able to impact more families, in more communities, and save even more lives," said Lisa Trofe, CAE, who serves as the current Executive Director for JPMA and JPMA Cares. To donate to JPMA Cares' Safe Sleep Campaign for GivingTuesday, visit JPMA Cares' website . To learn more about baby safety and access an abundance of free, expert-approved baby safety resources, visit the Baby Safety University section of the JPMA Cares website and follow @JPMACaresParents on Facebook and Instagram . About JPMA Cares JPMA Cares is the philanthropic arm of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the broader baby and children's products industry. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, JPMA Cares aims to create better outcomes for infants and toddlers by reducing preventable injuries and deaths and providing families in need with donations of time, talent, and product.
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