HENDERSON, NV – Henderson Professional Fire Fighters along with Findlay Volkswagen Henderson, the Henderson Police Officers Association, and the City of Henderson are launching the annual “Check Your Seats in the Heat” safety outreach campaign with a press conference on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Findlay Volkswagen Henderson.
“It is not safe to leave a child in an unattended vehicle for even one minute,” said Dan Pentkowski, president of the Henderson Professional Firefighters. “This message is incredibly important for every valley resident. Zero deaths is the only acceptable number, and the only way we can ensure that happens is by educating our community. We are grateful for our partners and volunteers that support this safety outreach effort.”
Nevada has ranked among the top 20 states hardest hit by heatstroke fatalities. When temperatures are hot outside, the inside of a car can climb more than 30 degrees hotter in just 10 minutes. Last year, the Henderson Fire Department responded to 43 lock-in calls.
“Here at Findlay Volkswagen Henderson, we take great pride in our community,” says Melisa Eichbauer, General Manager at Findlay Volkswagen. “We are excited to partner with Henderson Professional Fire Fighters and this campaign which is critical to the continued safety and care of our children. Together we can prevent fatalities this summer season.”
Henderson Professional Fire Fighters began the “Check Your Seats in the Heat” campaign in 2010 with a mission to educate the community about the dangers of leaving a child in a hot car in hopes to prevent those tragedies from occurring.
Firefighters suggest making a habit of leaving your cell phone, wallet or purse in the back seat to get in the habit of checking the entire car before locking and leaving your vehicle. For more information and for additional tips, visit checkyourseats.com