HENDERSON, Nev. – Henderson Professional Fire Fighters along with the Henderson Police Officers’ Association, and the City of Henderson are launching the annual “Check Your Seats in the Heat” safety outreach campaign.
“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 high outside, the inside of a car can climb more than 30 degrees hotter in just 10 minutes.
“We want to make sure our community knows to call 911 right away if they ever see someone who was left in a hot car because each second counts,” says Gary Hargis, president of the Henderson Police Officers’ Association. “This campaign 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.