As summer continues to progress and the temperatures stay high, law enforcement reminds the public to remain vigilant when it comes to leaving kids or pets in hot cars.

Dallas County Sheriff Chad Leonard emphasizes that if you plan to leave an animal or child in your vehicle while you run an errand, leave the car on with the air conditioning running. Temperatures inside vehicles can spike in a short period of time when turned off, creating a life-threatening situation for the occupants. Leonard says to take action immediately if you see a vehicle with a pet or baby trapped inside. “If you see a child locked in a car and (the) car’s not running or anything, you need to call us, we’ll get somebody out there to check it out and see what’s going on. And if in doubt, call us — that’s what we’re here for — and we’ll respond and we’ll take it from there and see if there was any negligence on the owner’s part.”

Leonard advises to not attempt to break a window to get a child or animal out of a hot car, unless it’s absolutely necessary. However, he does ask that passersby who call in the report stay with the car until officers arrive. He reminds people to always be aware of their surroundings and to double-check the backseat as you get out, so that you don’t forget to take a child or pet with you. For more summer safety tips, click the links below to listen to the recent two-part Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Leonard.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2019/07/22/lets-talk-dallas-county-7-22-2019-chad-leonard-part-one/
https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2019/07/23/lets-talk-dallas-county-7-23-2019-chad-leonard-part-two/