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Directories Int'l Realty US Realty
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Automobile Related Heat Stroke Stuart Lieberman, Esq., Summer time is approaching. All the good things that happen in the summer will presumably happen once again. Swimming, picnics, outdoor sports. And so will the bad things, such as automobile induced heat stroke. This occurs when we leave our children or pets in the car for a short period while we run errands, even with the window lowered slightly. Or when they trap themselves in a car and are unable to extricate themselves. Not enough air gets in the car. The fact that the window has been lowered a bit is of no real help. The car become dangerously warm in a very short time. And the children or pets become injured or they die. This happens every year , and it will happen again. Don't become a victim of this tragic accident. What seems to be needed is education. People still do not understand how dangerous this can be. Not long ago, a bright person suggested that he keep his dog in the car, with the window lowered a little, while he made a few purchases. I told him this was a bad idea and explained what can happen. It takes just minutes for the heat to destroy a child's ability to regulate temperature. At 90 degrees, serious problems can develop. At 105 degrees, heat stroke can develop, leading shortly to death. It can take only 15 minutes for a car in sunlight to reach over 170 degrees. That is with the window left slightly open. Injuries to children and pets occur when we intentionally leave them in the car for a short period. Which is a bad idea for a lot of reasons. It is likely illegal in many places. Children also play in unlocked cars. Once there, heat stoke can set in and they might not be able to get themselves out. Never leave your pets or children unattended in an automobile. And teach your children not play around unattended automobiles. They are naturally curious and may want to imitate their parents driving. In addition, always make sure that all passengers have been taken from the car when you leave. That sounds obvious, but well meaning, loving parents sometimes get out of their routine and forget that their babies are in a car seat, in the back of the car. This seems to happen every year and this can cause heat stroke and eventual death. If you see a child in an unattended car, locate the parents or call the police. You may be saving a life.
The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.
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