Take precautions to protect your loved ones this summer

Always check the backseat before exiting a vehicle

 
On a warm day, even vehicles parked in the shade with windows down can reach a staggering 49^oC in minutes.

The Edmonton Police Service (along with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and EMS) is reminding citizens of the dangers of leaving children and pets alone in vehicles; especially on hot days.

In addition to risks of heatstroke and medical distress, a thief could easily steal the vehicle, not knowing there is a child or pet inside. Left unattended, children can also put the car in motion by moving the gear shift or by playing with the brakes.

"People are busy. What you think will only take you a minute, can turn into 10 minutes... 20 minutes," says Cst. Seth Dodman with the Child at Risk Response Unit. "If you're not with your children or pets, you can't protect them. That moment of convenience could become one of regret."

Cst. Dodman suggests that parents, guardians and pet owners start leaving a purse, wallet or cellphone in the backseat. This allows a habit to start developing, ensuring that the backseat is always checked before exiting the vehicle.

See an unattended child or animal in a car on a hot day? Here's what you do:

1. Call 911
2. Check for signs of overheating:
   • Fast, noisy breathing
   • Disorientation
   • Collapse
   • Vomiting
   • Lack of responsiveness
3. Check vehicle doors:
   • If unlocked, remove child or animal.
   • If locked, break glass and remove child or animal.
   • If owner returns, advise them that the police are on their way. Don't confront the individual.

Remember: Before the police, fire, or a private citizen can lawfully break a third party's window to retrieve a child or animal, there must be indicators of heat or cold-induced distress.

If you decide to break the window, be safe. Watch out for broken glass and aggressive animals. 

Staying cool with EPS' Canine Unit
You may see our EPS Canine Unit vehicles running with a Police Service Dog (PSD) still inside.

EPS' Canine Unit vehicles are specially equipped with a number of "cool" tools and safe guards to keep our four-legged protectors safe during their hot summer work days.

If our Canine vehicles reach a certain temperature inside, an alarm system is activated. This system opens the windows, turns on the fans which starts drawing in air from outside, and send an alert to the pagers that the officers carry.

Since standard vehicles are not equipped with this technology, EPS reminds citizens to never leave their pets or children alone in hot vehicles.

For more information, please visit http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/NotABabysitter.

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2Le0a6y