The truth about leaving your kids or pets in the car

We have all heard the horror stories of people who left their kids or pets in the car, only to have them die or get saved in the nick of time. It's sad and entirely preventable!

Reason: I'm just running into the store for a minute or two.

-You could get distracted with long lines, someone you know might start talking to you, or you could simply forget and get more things than you originally planned.




Reason: It's not that hot out.

-Even at lower temperatures, the vehicle can still get hotter than you think. After about 30 minutes, the temperature can raise by 30 degrees. Which can turn a 62 degree day into a 92 degree car. That really makes a difference. The temperature only goes upward from there too, effectively making your car like an oven.




Reason: I don't feel like getting the child/animal in and out of the car all day during errands.

-While it can be annoying to undo a child seat or get your child/pet in and out of the car and pay attention to them and your errands all day, it's more annoying dealing with the consequences with the police. If you really don't feel like dealing with the hassle, find a time where someone can watch them for you. 







Reason: I realize they were in the car when I got out.


-If you happen to forget things often and need a reminder, try leaving their diaper bag or something of theirs on the passenger seat to remind you. It also helps to have the pet/child sit on the passenger side in the back seat, so you can see them in the mirror.





Reason: I let the kids play in the car at home.

-Do not ever let your kids play in the car, especially unattended. They could, not only get trapped, but could accidentally start the car, let it out of gear or get hurt. Make sure the keys are out of reach to them as well. You might think they are playing outside, but they could get stuck in your trunk or vehicle.





Reason: I rolled down the windows.

-Rolling down the windows usually has little effect on the heat in the car. It's usually not windy enough to matter and some kids/pets aren't able to get out anyway if it is too hot.

It's also wise not to leave kids/pets in cars unattended due to: Someone might steal them There could be an accident with a parked car   A few states have already made it illegal to leave pets/children in cars unattended. Heat stroke is a condition children/pets encounter when they are in a very hot, generally enclosed, situation. This can bring on symptoms like loss of brain function and/or consciousness, dizziness, confusion, dehydration, annoyance, seizures, sluggishness and possible death. This typically happens when their body temperatures reach 104 degrees and higher. Children are more susceptible to high heat than adults are; their bodies haven't fully developed yet, especially very young children.
If you happen to see a child/pet stuck in a car on a hot day, especially if they look flushed or unconscious, help immediately. Call the police and get into the vehicle as fast as possible. It's better to break a window than watch them lose their life due to a stupid mistake