Safety Tips for Vehicles, Kids, and Hot Weather

Dear Friend of the LAFD:

We need *your help* to make sure that no child dies needlessly by being left alone in a hot vehicle.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to consider and share these important safety tips for vehicles, children and hot weather:

- Put something you'll need - like your cell phone, handbag, a sunshade, lunch or brief case, on the floor board in the back seat. Get in the habit of always opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no child has been left behind. This way it will become a habit. Safety experts call this the 'Look...Then Lock' campaign.

- Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat. It's a visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat.

- Make arrangements with your child's day care center or babysitter that you will always call them if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. This is common courtesy and sets a good example that everyone who is involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts on a daily basis. Ask them to phone you if your child doesn't show up when expected. Many children's lives could have been saved with the telephone call from a concerned child care provider. Give child care providers all your telephone numbers, including that of an extra family member or friend, so they can always confirm the whereabouts of your child.

- If you see a child (dependent adult or pet) alone in a vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

- Never leave your car keys where children can access them, and always make sure your car is locked so that children cannot access a car without supervision.

- Do not underestimate a child's capabilities. Teach your children about the dangers of a car, especially the car trunk. Most children can differentiate between a tool and a toy. Make certain they know that a car is not a toy!

For additional information about child and vehicle safety:

http://www.KidsAndC ars.org

http://www.KidsInCa rs.org

http://www.4rKidsSa ke.org

For Hot Weather Wellness Tips:

http://www.lafd. org/heat. htm

Kindly forward this e-mail to your friends and family today. Do you know someone who would like to receive LAFD's E-News? Please have them visit:

http://www.lafd. org/info. htm

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/ Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

LAFD Home Page: http://lafd. org
LAFD News Blog: http://lafd. org/blog