County, state officials: Don’t leave kids in hot car

Hot on the heels of national news reports about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars, Morris County health officials are joining a state campaign this summer to alert parents and hopefully save young lives.

“A hot car can become like a hot oven in just a matter of minutes on summer days,’’ said Carlos Perez, Jr, health officer for the Morris County Office of Health Management. “The rule of thumb should be never to leave your children or pets in a hot car, even for what you think will be a minute or two. It’s a bad idea.’’

In an effort to share those lessons with as many people as possible, the Morris County Office of Health Management is sharing the news that the New Jersey Department of Children and Families is partnering with statewide business organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children alone in vehicles.

“Every year at this time we look to educate people about the dangers of heat this time of year,” said Arlene Stoller, a health education specialist at the county health-management office.

In past years, she has spoken and written in her blog about the dangers of sunburn or other seasonal dangers including tick bites.

“But this year, with the DCF’s program, we decided to display it prominently on our website,” she said.

A visit to http://morriscountynj.gov/health/index.asp offers a link to the DCF campaign, including a video featuring experts such as a Rutgers University climatologists, a pediatrician and a police officer.

DCF also has been distributing window stickers statewide to retail stores, financial institutions, insurance agents, state-licensed child care centers, and other public establishments to drive home a simple message — “Never leave your child unattended in a car. Not even for a minute.”

“We urge Morris County residents to heed this common-sense message and avoid potential problems,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Doug Cabana, who is the board’s liaison on health issues.

“Maybe they’re grabbing a gallon of milk or using the ATM and think it won't take much time, but it’s never OK to leave a child alone in a car,” said DCF Commissioner Allison Blake.

Last year, according to DCF, 31 children nationwide died from heatstroke because they were left unattended in vehicles. Since 1998, 12 children in New Jersey have died from vehicle-related heatstroke. Vehicle interiors hit unbearable temperatures quickly. A relatively cool day at 60 degrees outside could heat a car to 110 degrees inside.

Morris County law-enforcement agencies also have taken to websites and social media to help communicate with residents about heat-related dangers.

“Children and pets should never be left unattended in a parked vehicle under any circumstance but most especially during hot weather,” the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department posted on its Facebook page during the mini-heat wave last week. “The interior of a vehicle can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

“Please do not forget about your pets,” the Parsippany police added. “Make sure that they have adequate water and shelter from the sun.”

Hopatcong police added a warning about leaving elderly people in hot cars on a Facebook post last month.

The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is waging a separate campaign to remind pet owners of similar risks for animals, especially dogs, that are left in cars by their owners.

Failure to abide by this advice not only can result in a dead pet, but can expose pet owners to criminal prosecution.

“NJSPCA responded to over 120 heat related cases this week and the calls continue to come in,” NJSPCA Capt. Rick Yocum wrote on the association’s website on July 30. “In addition to the heat-related calls, we have responded to two cases this week that are two of the most violent and sickening cases I have seen. Not able to release any details yet, but suffice it to say that two animals were brutally and cruelly killed this week in two totally unrelated cases here in New Jersey. Both of these cases are active Criminal Investigations that involve very serious animal-cruelty charges.”

County officials and the DCF also urge parents to follow additional safety steps to protect children, including the following:

•Removing kids from the vehicle before unloading groceries or other items;

•Looking inside at the vehicle's front and back seats before locking the door and walking away;

•Not allowing children to play in or around an unattended vehicle;

•Always lock your car and secure the keys so children can't get to them;

•Installing a trunk release mechanism to avoid kids getting trapped inside the trunk; and

•Calling 911 immediately if you see a child unattended in a vehicle.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.

For more information:

New Jersey: www.state.nj.us/dcf/

Morris County: http://morriscountynj.gov/health/index.asp