The Virginia Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Task Force is a dedicated coalition of public safety officials, medical professionals, educators, companies and community advocates working to prevent heatstroke deaths in vehicles.
Our mission:
To raise awareness and provide education to eliminate vehicular heatstroke incidents and fatalities throughout the State of Virginia.
Join Us! If you have a passion for the prevention of pediatric vehicular heatstroke, we would love to work with you!
You can reach out to us at:
Find us on Facebook at:
It’s the Law…
Virginia Law on Unattended Children in Vehicles
While there is no standalone law in Virginia that directly addresses leaving children unattended in vehicles, such conduct can fall under the purview of § 18.2-371.1 of the Virginia Code, which pertains to child abuse and neglect.
Under this statute:
- Class 4 Felony: If a parent, guardian or other person responsible for the care of a child under 18 willfully acts or omits to act in a way that causes or permits serious injury to the child’s life or health, they can be charged with a Class 4 felony.
- Class 6 Felony: If the responsible person’s willful act or omission in caring for the child is so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life, they can be charged with a Class 6 felony, even if no serious injury occurs.
Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, especially under dangerous conditions (e.g., extreme heat), could be interpreted as such neglect, potentially leading to criminal charges.
Virginia’s Good Samaritan Law
Virginia also provides legal protection for bystanders who take action to help a child in danger inside a vehicle. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-225, individuals who, in good faith, forcibly enter a vehicle to rescue a child believed to be in imminent danger are protected from civil liability—provided they follow these steps:
- Call 911 first and report the emergency
- Determine the vehicle is locked and there is no other reasonable way to gain access
- Have a reasonable belief that breaking into the vehicle is necessary to prevent harm
- Use no more force than necessary to enter the vehicle
- Stay with the child until emergency responders arrive
These laws work together to protect children and empower community members to act when seconds count.
Resources for Prevention
Coming Soon!
Innovative Concepts Tripod Display
Product Description: The Never Leave Your Child Alone Table Tripod Display allows you to educate families about heatstroke by displaying the ACT tips. The unit houses two 4 inch red LED Temperature Displays that provides a visual representation of the outdoor temperature and the temperature inside a vehicle after being parked in that same environment for a period. The unit includes two cabled sensor probes to be placed outdoors and within a vehicle. The unit is required to be plugged in to a suitable electrical outlet for operation.
Details: The kit includes an LED Temperature Unit (Temp Range: -4 F to +140 F) with integrated tripod mount, a tripod with carrying case and Velcro straps, a standard sign with ACT tips, and two cabled temperature sensors.
Product Dimensions:
LED Temperature Display Unit – 19.5 inches tall by 16.5 inches wide by 3.25 inches deep – Approximately 14 lbs.
Tripod – 5 inches by 5 inches by 48 inches (Folded) – Approximately 12 lbs.
*The Never Leave Your Child Alone Tripod Display is manufactured at our facility located in Dunkirk, Maryland USA. Each item is custom manufactured to order. Please allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery if not currently in stock.
Innovative Concepts Tabletop Display
Product Description: The Never Leave Your Child Alone Table Top Display allows you to educate families about heatstroke by displaying the ACT tips. There is also a mounted temperature display unit that provides a visual representation of the outdoor temperature and the temperature inside a vehicle after being parked in that same environment for a period. The portable sensor it to be placed inside the vehicle, but not in direct sunlight to give the most accurate reading.
Details: The kit includes a 17.75” by 11.75” sign with a mounted temperature display unit (Temp Range: -39.8 F to +139.8 F) that fits into a pre-cut angled base. The temperature display unit includes a movable sensor to be placed inside a vehicle.
*The Never Leave Your Child Alone Tabletop Display is manufactured at our facility located in Dunkirk, Maryland USA. Each item is custom manufactured to order. Please allow 1 to 3 weeks for delivery.
Use ready-made social media posts for easy sharing online.
Quick, Accessible and Impactful Learning
Children in Hot Cars – 10-Minute E-Learning Course
Every year, children suffer fatal heatstroke after being left in hot cars—an entirely preventable tragedy. Whether it’s a change in routine, a moment of distraction, or an assumption that a quick stop is safe, the risk is real. This short, engaging, and interactive 10-minute e-learning course is designed to raise awareness and equip individuals with the knowledge to prevent these heartbreaking incidents.
Flexible Enrollment: Learn as an Individual or Train as a Group
- Individuals can easily enroll and complete the course at their own pace.
- Organizations, schools, and businesses can set up group training, allowing a designated administrator to track participant progress and ensure completion.
- Group Delivery of Courses Request Form
National Vehicular Heatstroke Resources
Learn more about vehicular heatstroke from national resources. Learn how these deaths occur and what you can do to prevent injuries and deaths.
Virginia Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Task Force Leadership
COMING SOON: Meet the team and know their “WHY’s”
THTF Chair
My Why:
THTF Board President
My Why:
Virginia Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Resources
Coming Soon!
Virginia Outreach Events
Register Your Event
If you are planning an activity or event related to pediatric vehicular heatstroke, register your event here to be publicized on this website.
Virginia Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Task Force Activity/Event Registration