Please do not leave until the situation has been resolved

Dear Editor,

Warm weather, sunshine, flipflops, lemonade. Need I say more?

BUT it does cause me to worry.

An ordinary day can turn tragic for people (infants to the elderly and everyone in between) as well as animals left in a vehicle.

A few days ago, I noticed an older person sitting in a car next to mine. Still there after I’d finished shopping at a large local store. I motioned to roll down the window. Got out instead as there was no access to that “feature” as keys were not left inside.

We chatted and I expressed my concern about being in a hot car. Also the potential that the driver may be delayed for a variety of reasons. “Don’t I know it” was the reply.

Just last year at a local gas/convenience store, a couple was in a back seat and knocked on the window as my family member passed by. They said it was getting hot in there and as the keys were not in the vehicle, they were not able to open either the windows or the door. Frightening.

The temperature inside a car can reach critical levels putting people and animals at risk of serious illness or death in less than 10 minutes, even on a day that doesn't seem that hot to you.

IF you see a person or animal in an unattended vehicle, PLEASE

do not leave until the situation has been resolved.

P.S. Children are adventurous—getting into an unlocked car while unsupervised. . . .

Eileen Z. Fitzsimons 

Town of Dodgeville