Wilton Police Raise Awareness Of Leaving Children, Pets in Hot Cars

WILTON, CT — Following recent incidents in neighboring communities, local officials are teaming up to remind residents the dangers of leaving pets and children in hot cars. Police and State Rep. Gail Lavielle have joined forces for the "Heat Kills, If you Love 'em, Don't Leave 'em," initiative which aims to raise awareness and serve as a reminder of the dangers of leaving loved ones in hot cars.

Signs have been posted in several "strategic" locations in town which include the Wilton Police phone number. The purpose of the sign is to urge residents who see children or pets in hot cars to call the police.

“Recent incidents in Ridgefield and Westport have demonstrated that not everyone is mindful of how dangerous it is to leave children or dogs in a car during hot, or even warm weather, and this is an excellent way to raise awareness of the risks and to remind people who might forget," said Lavielle in a statement. "Seconds can save a life, and the signs should also make people comfortable about calling the police if they notice a child, a dog, or any animal alone in a hot car."

Officials say the initiative was started in Fairfield, which Lavielle says was "very successful."

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 78-degree temperatures can cause the inside of a parked car to raise to just minutes, and 90-degree temperatures can cause the car to reach as high as 109 degrees in under 10 minutes.

"Your dog pants to cool themselves. If the air temperature in your vehicle rises, they can overheat rapidly," said Wilton Animal Control Officer Chris Muir in a statement."This can result in death to your pet. All trips into a store last longer than you think. Please let’s keep our pets safe.”

Image via the Wilton Police Department