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Wilton launches initiative to prevent hot car deaths

The Wilton Police Department has launched a program to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children and pets in vehicles during the hot summer months.  Working with state Representative Gail Lavielle, signs have been placed throughout Wilton saying “Heat Kills, If you Love ‘em, Don’t Leave ‘em”.

 

The signs include the phone number of the Wilton Police Department so that if people observe a child or pet left in a hot vehicle, they can easily call police.

 

Wilton Animal Control Officer Chris Mui says a dog pants to cool themselves and if the air temperature in the vehicle rises, they can overheat rapidly.

 

Lavielle said 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.  She says 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.

 

The initiative was introduced previously in Fairfield.

 

According the CDC, even when it feels cool outside, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly.  Leaving a window open is not enough.  The CDC says temperatures inside a car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open. 

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