SAPD Warns of the Dangers of Children and Pets in a Hot Car

SAN ANGELO, TX  – The San Angelo Police Department issued a notice Tuesday reminded citizens to remember the dangers of being inside of a hot car for too long. 

According to the SAPD, on June 16, heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash-related fatalities for children 14 and younger.

On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car.

Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids don’t get in on their own. 

Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or another memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place and secure your phone, briefcase, or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child. 

Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations