(Residents warned of Heatstroke dangers)....The Imperial County Public Health Department's Emergency Medical Services Agency issued the warning on the dangers of Heatstroke.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heatstroke is the number one killer of children, outside of car crashes. The California Highway Patrol and El Centro Fire Department join efforts each year with the EMS Agency to attempt to reduce these deaths by reminding parents and caregivers about the dangers of heatstroke and leaving children in hot cars. Robert Gonzalez, Public Information Officer with El Centro Fire, says as outside temperatures rise, the risks of children dying from being left in hot cars also rises. What is most tragic is that the majority of the deaths could have been prevented. They offer three rules; Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended eben if the engine is running and the air conditioner is on. Make it a habit to look in the backseat every time you exit the vehicle. Always lock the car and put the keys out of reach. Children's body temperatures can rise five times faster than adults, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.