Summer officially arrives next week, but the mercury tells us it's already here. Air conditioning makes this time of year much more bearable, but it's important to remember that we're still vulnerable to the heat.

Children are especially susceptible to the warm summer months because their body temperatures increase three to five times faster than that of an adult. In fact, KidsandCars.org found that an average of 38 kids die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle.

Help keep your kids safe in and around hot cars with these tips:

• Never leave a child unattended in a car, no matter how briefly. The interior temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes of shutting the vehicle off.

  

• Don't be fooled by mild temperatures. Even when it's 60 degrees Fahrenheit outside, a car's interior can reach 110 degrees.

• Always check your backseats before locking your car. Put your cell phone or wallet in the backseat as a reminder.

• Keep vehicles locked so children can't accidentally crawl in. If carrying child passengers, use drive-through services when available, such as at the bank, fast-food restaurants or the dry cleaner.

It's not a good idea to leave pets in a parked car, either. They can dehydrate quickly.

Monday, June 20th is the first day of summer.