Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) More than 500 children nationwide have lost their lives to Hyperthermia since 1998...all from being left in the car. According to Safe Kids, five children have died so far this year.

So far it's been drier and warmer this year in Idaho, despite what many might believe and now that school is out, parents find more opportune moments to spend with the child during the day. Yet leaving them in the car to run a quick errand could turn into a serious situation.

Dr. Kathryn Reese, a pediatrician with St. Luke's Magic Valley says, "if your child is old enough or mentally capable and can come find you in the store if they get hot is fine, but for an infant or pet, they're often unaware they're getting hot."

Page Geske, Executive Director of Safe Kids Magic Valley says, "if you're left in the car unattended, he or she can have a possible heat stroke which averages 38 kids a year."

Hyperthermia is when a person's body temperature reaches 104 degrees. But don't confuse it with a fever.

Dr. Reese adds, "a fever is the body's way of fighting off an illness. But when you've got a body of 104 degrees due to being in a hot environment, that could cause a heat stroke."

Another reason to not leave a child in the car is that children's bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults.

"They have much larger surface area. So they can absorb a lot more heat quicker than adults can," says Dr. Reese.

If your child does to appear to have suffered a heat stroke, cool them down immediately.

"As well as calling 911 if there is any mental change or confusion because the child does need to have an evaluation in the hospital," says Dr. Reese.

Keeping your child safe and onto your destination.