Crime & Safety
Danger in a Hot Car: MPD Creates Safety PSA
Merrimack Police work with Merrimack TV to bring short video reminders as part of community outreach.
Even with windows cracked, on a day where temperatures climb over 80 degrees, the interior of a car can climb to the 120 degree range in just a matter of minutes. (Check out this experiment done by Patch Editor Brooklyn Lowery in
Newton, Mass., where she sat in her car on a hot day in July and tested the temperature over 25 minutes.)
Lt. Denise Roy, who was part of the PSA project, said the department has received a lot of calls this summer from concerned members of the public who've spotted dogs left in cars.
"It's just a reminder to people there are certain things you need to do to keep your pets safe," Roy said.
The video features Animal Control Officer Liz Fraser who speaks to how quickly a car can heat to dangerous temperatures. Community Services Officer Rob Kelleher also makes a cameo.
Roy said this is the first PSA of this kind that they've done, but members of the department have gone on cable access shows to talk about various topics in the past.
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She said they plan to use this format again for future public service announcements including an upcoming one on school and school zone safety.
Roy said it's just another way the department is keeping connected with Merrimack residents through community outreach and social media. The video can be view by simply clicking the play button above or on the Merrimack Police Department's YouTube channel.
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