THE Leongatha Fire brigade and ambulance answered an emergency call at the Leongatha ‘Splash’ Swimming Pool on Friday, January 27, reportedly after a child became locked in a car.
RACV also attended and possibly police, although this has not been confirmed.
It is understood that no one was injured in the incident, but ahead of a hot weekend, where temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-30s, towards the 100°F in the old measure, the incident comes as a timely warning.
Recently, Bass Coast Eyewatch issued the following warning on Facebook:
“We may sound like a broken record but the message just isn’t getting through to some. NEVER leave kids or pets in the car unattended.
“Leaving children unattended in a car on any day is dangerous, let alone when it’s hot. It can result in serious injury or death.
“The same goes with our four-legged loved ones.
“Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the temperature outside.
“According to Kidsafe Victoria, tests have shown that leaving windows open by 10cm only reduces the inside temperature by five degrees.
“It’s against the law to leave children unattended in a car and parents or guardians can be fined or jailed.
“It’s also illegal to leave pets unattended in cars for more than 10 minutes when outside temperatures are at or above 28°C.
“If you see a child or pet locked inside a car - call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
Head to KidSafe for more information www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/hot-cars/