Summer has finally arrived! It's a happy season for a lot of people - warm weather, barbecuing, beaches, boating, holidays, camping - you name it, there's an endless array of entertaining possibilities to fill up our time so get out there and enjoy!
But while you're at it - be sensible!
I was shocked to read this morning about another senseless death of a toddler who was left in a sweltering car. This child - a helpless, little three year old girl - made it to the hospital but died shortly after. Last week an Ontario toddler - not quite two years of age - made the headlines for the very same reason. How very sad.
Can you imagine having to live with yourself after something like this? I know that people can be forgetful and that accidents can, and will happen, but this is so preventable and really, it's absolutely unforgivable.
How can you justify a happening like this under any circumstance?
DON'T leave your child unattended in your vehicle when it's hot outside! Period. Better yet, - hot, cold, warm, whatever the weather may be, why do it at all?
And while we're on the topic, don't leave your pet stranded in your hot car either. The long weekend was HOT and it made me cringe to see parked cars with the windows cracked and stressed out dogs barking inside. If YOU wouldn't like to be sitting in there why would you subject another being to it? You might feel guilty leaving Fido at home while you run your errands but he's far better off in the long run.
Did you know that so far this year (in the US alone) there were reportedly at least fifteen deaths of children who were left unattended in vehicles; seven of which have been confirmed as heatstroke. Last year there were at least thirty-two deaths for the same reason. Since 1998 there have been at least 575 documented. According to the statistics, on average, 38 children die in hot cars each year from heat-related deaths.
What an awful statistic. And it's one that could be completely turned around if only people used their brains.
Summer IS a time for fun - but a little common sense injected into the fun can go a long way towards also keeping it regret free and safe.
