Public Service Announcement

I wrote this once, and it disappeared, as some entries are wont to do, but I will rewrite because I think this is a reminder that needs to be done. I am not including a graphic, because no one wants to see it.

Even here in the northern tundra, summer is coming. Most of you live where it's already pleasantly warm. Some of you already need to keep potholders in your car so you can touch the steering wheel when you get back in the car.

Gets pretty warm in there, doesn't it? Hot enough to bake a cake, maybe.

Please do not leave your children or pets alone in a locked car unless the children are old enough to leave the car, lock it up, walk through the parking lot and find you on their own.

If you don't think it gets too hot, go sit in your car yourself with the windows up in the sun for 10 minutes. Not very comfy, is it? Roll the window down an inch and sit in the shade. Still rather warm, isn't it? Scary to a child, too.

While you might plan to be in a store for a minute, and can see your child from the window, are you sure no one will rear end your car? Are you sure you won't fall on uneven pavement on the way back to the car? Are you sure your child who is too young to be walking around alone won't leave the car to find you?

We had a woman locally leave a 2 year old and a 1 year old alone in the car in the summer while she got her hair done and did a little shopping. Those two baked to death. The 2 year old left fingerprints at the top of the window in his attempt to get out or get help. It happens every year, and can be prevented.

Please think twice before locking a child, pet, elderly person, or disabled person in a car and walking away.