Middle Tennessee is experiencing a prolonged period of summer heat, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and heat index values near or above 100 degrees. This has led to a reminder for parents to be cautious about the temperature inside vehicles. The National Safety Council reports that 17 children in the US have died from hot car deaths so far in 2026.

Since 1998, over 1,000 children have died in similar incidents. The average annual death toll is around 37. Further information on pediatric hot car deaths and prevention is available from The National Safety Council and local news sources, including WSMV.