How to keep your children and pets safe in hot vehicles
The Independence Police and Fire Departments are joining forces to provide essential information to the citizens of Independence about the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles during hot weather.
Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can escalate to dangerous levels within minutes, posing a severe risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses as their bodies heat up faster than adults. Even a quick errand can lead to life-threatening conditions.
A majority of child vehicular heatstroke deaths occur when a distracted caregiver forgets their child in the car.
Parents, caretakers’ and community members can help prevent vehicular heatstroke by remembering to A.C.T. Fast. The mnemonic was developed by child advocacy groups to remind to:
A—Avoid leaving children alone in a car by any means. This includes locking the vehicle when it’s not being used to avoid a child getting inside on their own.
C—Create reminders. Parents can leave a stuffed animal in the child’s car seat during times when it’s empty, then move the toy to the front seat when a child is riding in back as a visual reminder. Other tips include leaving a phone, briefcase, purse, or other highly-used object in the back seat while a child is in the car.
T—Take action. If you see a child unattended in a car, call 9-1-1.
It could be the most important call you ever make.
Pursuant to Kansas Statute 60-5401, if someone enters a vehicle to rescue a person or pet, they are protected from liability for any damage caused to the vehicle as long as they meet all of the five specific conditions below:
(1) Determines the motor vehicle is locked or there is otherwise no reasonable method for the vulnerable person or domestic animal to exit the motor vehicle without assistance;
(2) has a good faith and reasonable belief, based upon known circumstances, that entry into the motor vehicle is necessary because the vulnerable person or domestic animal is in imminent danger of suffering harm;
(3) ensures that law enforcement is notified or calls 911 before entering the motor vehicle or immediately thereafter;
(4) uses no more force to enter the motor vehicle and remove the vulnerable person or domestic animal than is necessary; and
(5) remains with the vulnerable person or domestic animal in a safe location, in reasonable proximity to the motor vehicle, until law enforcement or a first responder arrives.
IPD and IFD encourage bystanders to take action if they see a child or pet left unattended in a vehicle and the child or pet is, or reasonably will be, in immediate distress from heat or cold. Please call 911 immediately prior to or immediately after entering the vehicle.
Use only enough force necessary to enter and remove the person or pet.
Should a window need to be broken, it is best to break a side window farthest from the child with a rescue window punch. Move the child to a shaded or air conditioned location and cool the child with water and/or fanned air. Do not remove the child from the area unless necessary. And, again, it is imperative that you call 911 immediately giving your location and the situation.