For parents, the safety of their children is always the top priority. However, sometimes the dangers that threaten our little ones can be things we’d never even consider. A mother, Keri Hall Volmert, shares her devastating story of the night her daughter, Sammie Joyce, went to sleep for the last time. Keri’s story serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of an unseen danger that many parents may not think of—sleeping on a different floor from their children. Here’s what happened and what every parent needs to know to protect their family.
The Tragic Night That Changed Everything
It was an ordinary night for Keri as she put her 17-month-old daughter, Sammie, to bed. Like any loving mother, she held her daughter close, changed her into her pajamas, and tucked her into bed upstairs. The toddler’s room was on the second floor, while Keri and her husband slept on the main level. They had no reason to think that this sleeping arrangement would be anything but safe.
Early the next morning, Keri’s husband went to check on Sammie. The moment that followed is something Keri describes as an image that will forever haunt her—she heard his scream from upstairs. “Keri!” he shouted, voice thick with desperation. The moment Keri saw him running down the stairs with Sammie in his arms, she knew something was terribly wrong. Despite efforts to resuscitate her, Sammie was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A Hidden Hazard: The Heater Malfunction That Took Sammie’s Life
Keri later learned that the cause of her daughter’s passing was hyperthermia—a result of the room’s temperature rising to over 100 degrees due to a heater malfunction. Unbeknownst to Keri and her husband, the HVAC system malfunctioned in Sammie’s room, causing the temperature to soar. The thermostat was set to a safe 72 degrees, but the heater did not turn off as it was supposed to. This tragic failure created an unbearable environment in Sammie’s room, ultimately leading to her death.
Since young children can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, Sammie likely succumbed to the heat in her sleep without even realizing it. Sadly, Keri and her husband, asleep on another floor, were unaware of the danger their daughter was facing just upstairs.
Why Sleeping on a Different Floor Matters for Child Safety
For many families, the layout of their home means children sleep on a separate floor from their parents. But Keri’s story underscores the risks that come with such an arrangement. If there is an emergency in the child’s room—a fire, a heater malfunction, or any other incident—parents may not become aware in time to intervene.
Children are particularly vulnerable during emergencies, especially when they’re too young to understand the danger or lack the strength to alert their parents. When sleeping on a separate floor, it becomes even harder for parents to hear subtle signs of distress, like crying or coughing, or to sense changes in temperature.
The Importance of Temperature Monitoring in Children’s Rooms
As Keri reflects on her family’s tragedy, she expresses regret that she wasn’t aware of affordable temperature monitors for children’s rooms. With such a device, she might have known that the room temperature was rising dangerously high, potentially preventing the fatal outcome. Temperature monitors for nurseries are readily available, and many are designed to alert parents if the room temperature strays outside of a safe range.
For families with young children, investing in one of these monitors can add an extra layer of protection. In addition to temperature monitoring, some devices even track air quality, humidity, and movement—features that can provide peace of mind for parents, especially those who sleep on a different floor.
Keri’s Mission to Raise Awareness
After losing Sammie, Keri has made it her mission to share her story and educate other parents about this hidden danger. She took to social media to spread her message, creating a Facebook page in memory of her daughter, Sammie Joyce Volmert. Keri shares Sammie’s story in the hope that it can prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.
“We want others (especially those with two-story homes) to hear Sammie’s story so that children can be protected and other families spared from the horrific grief we are forced to endure each day,” Keri writes.
Through the Facebook page, the Volmert family continues to honor Sammie’s memory. They share safety tips, fundraisers, and donate necessities to The WARM Place, a nonprofit organization that supports families dealing with grief. Many parents have voiced their gratitude to Keri, thanking her for the eye-opening warning and pledging to take extra precautions in their own homes.
Essential Safety Steps for Parents Sleeping on a Different Floor
If your family is in a similar living arrangement, there are several steps you can take to ensure your child’s safety:
- Install a Baby Monitor: Baby monitors can be a lifesaver for parents on a separate floor. Opt for one that includes audio and video capabilities, and consider one with temperature monitoring.
- Invest in Temperature Monitors: Nursery temperature monitors will alert you if your child’s room becomes too hot or too cold. Many smart models can connect to your phone, sending notifications straight to your device.
- Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: In addition to a heater malfunction, other hazards like fire and carbon monoxide are serious concerns. Ensure each level of your home has functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them regularly.
- Use a Sleep Sack Instead of Blankets: For younger children, using a sleep sack rather than a blanket can help them regulate body temperature without the risk of suffocation.
- Regularly Inspect HVAC Systems: If you rely on a heating or cooling system in your child’s room, schedule routine maintenance checks. A well-maintained system is less likely to malfunction.
The Legacy of Sammie’s Story
Though no parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child, Keri’s message to others is a powerful one. By sharing her family’s tragedy, she is raising awareness of an issue that many parents may not even consider. Her heartfelt warning is a call to action for all parents to re-evaluate their home safety practices and take proactive steps to protect their children.
Sammie’s story is a reminder of how precious life is and how crucial it is to be vigilant about even the most seemingly small safety measures. Through Keri’s words, Sammie’s memory lives on, helping other families stay vigilant and safe.
