During spring, we have already experienced 90-plus-degree days.
Every summer, we hear the tragic stories of children and pets being left in non-running vehicles.
We know, from studies conducted, that temperatures can reach and even exceed 130 degrees inside vehicles. The time that it takes for a car to heat up is not as long as one may think. The human body is capable of managing heat, but only to a point. The younger or older a person is, the shorter the time before heat management shuts down and the body begins to heat up. In other words, a person or pet literally begins to cook. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that requires immediate cooling of one’s body.
As accidents go, this is absolutely preventable. No child or pet should be left in a non-running vehicle, no matter how short the time frame. For that matter, no child or pet should be left in a running vehicle either. If either of these practices are yours, then you are asking for a problem at some point. There have even been cases where parents have forgotten about their sleeping or quiet children in a car seat. This is truly tragic. I am certain that someone is working to come up with a way to alert people about children in a car seat or a person or pet in a hot car.
As I have said about many other things, this is a band-aid and not the answer to what really needs to change.
What should you do if you find a child, elderly person or pet in a hot car? You must have someone call 911 immediately. If you make the decision to break a window, you will need the police to come. If you see a situation like this and you are trying to decide, “Do I break the glass, or do I not break the glass?” Break the glass! Once a child, elderly person or pet is removed from a hot vehicle, they must be taken to a cooler environment until first responders arrive and, if necessary, administer care.
You have heard me talk about the possibility and the probability of a child or pet being left in a hot car. Understand that in some cases, if negligence or gross negligence has occurred, and a child dies or is injured, you could be charged.
My question is, must it come to this? Many have said, “I was only going to be in there for a few minutes.” Any amount of time is too long!
I pray that you have a safe, responsible and enjoyable summer.
Parental supervision is the key to children being well taken care of, and a lack of parental supervision yields whatever tragedy is looming. If you take your children to daycare or allow anyone to watch your children, vet them well! You are trusting others with your children.
Check to ensure that your trust is not being violated. We would like to think that most people are credible and reputable. Take nothing for granted. Your children and your pets are depending on you to make the right choices concerning their well-being. Do not let your loved one “burn up” in a hot car.
