This past week, the police department responded to three
separate incidents of children and/or pets left unattended in a locked
vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained and vigilant citizens
were proactive in calling for help. Leaving small children and pets
unattended in vehicles can lead to disastrous results.
Each and every
year during the summer months or when temperatures rise above normal,
first responders are called upon to rescue children and pets who have
been left in locked vehicles with little to no ventilation. Even on mild
days where the ambient temperature is 72 degrees, the interior temperature of
an unventilated car with its doors closed and windows rolled up can rise more
than 30 degrees within 30 minutes. Imagine how this is magnified when
summer temperatures and high humidity reach their peak. Vehicles often
have a greenhouse effect. As summer begins to wind down, the Los Alamitos
Police Department offers this reminder as a way to keep our loved ones
safe.
If you see a child or pet in an unattended locked car call 9-1-1
immediately.