Children, Hot Weather & Cars = Danger!
During our unseasonably hot weather, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to consider some important safety tips for vehicles and children.
We need your help to make sure that no child dies needlessly by being left alone in a hot vehicle.
- Always put something you'll need - such as your phone, handbag, a sunshade, lunch or briefcase on the floor in the back seat. This will make you open the back door of your vehicle every time you reach a destination. This way, making sure no child is left behind becomes a habit. Safety experts call this the 'Look...Then Lock' campaign.
- Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat. It's a great visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is up front, a child is secured in a child safety seat behind you!
- Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call them when your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. This is not only common courtesy, but makes sure everyone involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts. Ask these caregivers to always phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected.
- If you see a child (dependent adult or pet) alone in a hot vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly and safely as possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number for assistance as necessary.
- Never leave your car keys where children can access them, and always make sure your car is locked so that children cannot get in without adult supervision.
- Do not underestimate a child's capabilities. Teach your children about the dangers of a car, especially the car trunk. Most children can differentiate between a tool and a toy. Make certain they know that a car is not a toy!
For additional information about child and vehicle safety:
- www.kidsandcars.org
- www.harrisonshope.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Additional Hot Weather Safety Information
Please share this information with your friends and family!
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
4 comments:
Thanks Mr. Brian Humphrey, But there is no excuse to forget. Any Parent or Guardian that forgets a Child or a pet in an unattended vehicle should be put in prison for a minimum on 20 years. And lose custody.
Anonymous 10:41, thanks for the note, and for recognizing the seriousness of this issue.
While we as a Fire Department can't espouse a specific penalty, we agree those who maliciously endanger children, dependent adults and pets should face the full effect of the criminal justice system.
That much offered (and firmly believing that justice belongs in the justice system), we above all others - by nature of our daily endeavors, understand that accidents can and do happen.
As such we choose as firefighters, to pursue prevention as our best uniform and primary course of action.
Thanks for helping us spread the word.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Brian,
Thanks for posting the info. Please keep up the good work.
I would like to see you post stats on more subjects.
How many calls does the FD get to childern/pets/dependant adults locked in a car?
Other stats would be informative also.
Anonymous 3:27, thanks for the kind words and suggestion.
While I pledge to to dig through the mountain of LAFD data (it is massive task to an amateur statistician like me), available time may preclude me from digging too deep in some subjects :(
That much said, keep your eye on the LAFD blog for another statistic related post when I return to Los Angeles next week.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
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