This went out over the LAFD list this morning.
Dear Friend of the LAFD:
We need *your help* to make sure that no child dies needlessly by being
left alone in a hot vehicle.
The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to
consider and share these important safety tips for vehicles, children
and hot weather:
- Put something you'll need - like your cell phone, handbag, a
sunshade, lunch or brief case, on the floor board in the back seat.
Get
in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time
you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind.
This way it will become 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 visual reminder that anytime the teddy
bear is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child
safety seat.
- Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter
that you will always call them if your child will not be there on a
particular day as scheduled. This is common courtesy and sets a good
example that everyone who is involved in the care of your child is
informed of their whereabouts on a daily basis. Ask them to phone you if
your child doesn’t show up when expected. Many children’s lives
could have been saved with the telephone call from a concerned child
care provider. Give child care providers all your telephone numbers,
including that of an extra family member or friend, so they can always
confirm the whereabouts of your child.
- If you see a child (dependent adult or pet) alone in a vehicle, get
involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as
possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
- Never leave your car keys where children can access them, and always
make sure your car is locked so that children cannot access a car
without 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:
http://www.KidsAndCars.org
http://www.KidsInCars.org
http://www.4rKidsSake.org
For Hot Weather Wellness Tips:
http://www.lafd.org/heat.htm
Kindly forward this e-mail to your friends and family today. Do you
know someone who would like to receive LAFD's E-News? Please have them
visit:
http://www.lafd.org/info.htm
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
LAFD Home Page:
http://lafd.org
LAFD News Blog:
http://lafd.org/blog