Preventing a tragedy in the summer heat - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

LONGVIEW, TEXAS (KYTX) It's every parent's nightmare, accidentally leaving your child locked in the car. Whatever the temperature is outside, inside a parked car it's at least 20 degrees hotter.

The Longview fire marshal says put something next to your child, like a purse or briefcase, to help prevent forgetting your child. Also keep your doors locked so your children can't get inside when you're not around. "The keys are left available to children or the car is left unlocked at home. The child will get in there playing - they will hit the locks, they won't be able to self rescue," says Johnny Zackary.

The fire marshal also recommends having a loved one call you to make sure drop-off at the daycare went smoothly -especially if taking your child isn't the normal routine.