August is Purple Ribbon Month!
Roanoke Fire-EMS, the Virginia Department of Health and Kids IN Cars want to let everyone know that August is Purple Ribbon Month. Purple Ribbon Month is recognized for reminding parents and caregivers on the dangers of leaving children unattended in and around vehicles.
Kids IN Cars' partner, 4RKidssake, heads up this incredible life saving technique. Hang a purple ribbon on a tree in your front yard, on your personal vehicle or even your work vehicle, on your mailbox and many other places. Wear a lapel pin every day of August and share our life saving message.
You will be amazed on how many people will ask you what the purple ribbon stands for. What a great way to ensure the safety of our children nationwide.
As of July, 2007, already 101 children have died by either being left unattended in or around cars. 101 children, 101. The number is staggering. All of these fatalities were preventable! Below are some safety tips to remember that will keep your children and grandchildren safe in and around cars
Always remember: Young children should NEVER be left alone in a vehicle, no matter what the weather is like.
· Temperatures inside your vehicle can rise by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10-15 minutes.
· Your baby could suffer heat stroke, exhaustion, rash, dehydration, brain damage or death. Children less then a year old are especially at risk and can quickly suffer serious injuries, including seizures, permanent brain damage or death.
· A thief could steal your car, not realizing or not caring that your child is still in the car. This can happen in less than 60 seconds.
· You are putting your child at risk of being kidnapped.
· Children are naturally curious and could climb into the driver’s seat to “play” causing a deadly accident to themselves or others.
· It is against the law. In the criminal code, “abandoning child” refers to children under the age of 10.
· Car accidents sometimes involve parked cars. In the event that your unattended car is in an accident, common sense says baby is ALWAYS better off with you.
· Leaving windows down for baby does not help much to keep the car cool. It does expose your baby to small animals and insects, putting her/him at risk for bites and stings.
· If your baby is left unattended in a soiled diaper, a painful blistery diaper rash could result.
· Your baby would feel abandoned and frightened if he/she woke up alone.
· If you are driving a bus or van, don’t forget to check all seats for sleeping children in your vehicle!
· Be aware - take the time to make sure that you do not leave your child unintentionally inside of your vehicle!
· Before backing up, make sure that your child is not behind the car. Install safety devices on your car to warn you of a child playing behind the car.Roanoke Fire-EMS encourages all Roanoke residents to practice fire safety steps every day. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility and fire prevention precautions DO make a difference! The Fire Prevention Division of the Roanoke Fire-EMS Department offers fireplace safety and/ or home fire safety inspections at no cost. Citizens can call 853-2795 to set up an appointment. Citizens in need can also receive a smoke detector at no cost from Roanoke Fire-EMS Administration, 713 Third St., SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 or call 853-5785. Visit our website at www.roanokegov.com/fire-ems.
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