Yesterday at about 1:15 pm, a Union City employee returned from lunch and parked their car near City Hall. After sitting in their car for about 15 minutes they got out and heard the sound of a baby crying from a nearby vehicle. They walked over to the car and noticed the windows were slightly cracked open, all the doors were locked, and a baby was left inside the vehicle. The employee immediately called the Union City Police Department and officers ran out of the nearby station to get to the baby.
Officers arrived at the car as the mother of the baby exited the Union City Library and ran over. Officers found the baby responsive, but very warm to the touch and sweating profusely. The mother told officers that she left the baby in the car as she took her two other children (6 years and 3 years old) into the library to check out a book. It turned out that the baby was left unattended in the car for about 25 minutes on one of the hottest days of the year.
The baby was determined to be ok after being assessed by medical personnel. UCPD officers documented the incident and notified appropriate agencies.
The Union City employee's actions, being aware and alert when exiting their vehicle, played a key role in getting first responders to the baby quickly. Thankfully, we have a positive story to share and believe that the employee played a big role in that outcome. Thank you, we appreciate your efforts!
REMINDER: Please…NEVER leave children in cars unattended for any length of time.
According to KidsAndCars.org, over 900 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. Even the best of parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car, and the end result can be injury or even death.
The Greenhouse Effect in Vehicles The inside of a vehicle heats up VERY quickly! Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees in minutes.
80% of the increase in temperature happens in the first 10 minutes.
Cracking the windows does not help slow the heating process OR decrease the maximum temperature.
Children have died from heatstroke in cars in temps as low as 60 degrees. ·
In over 55% of these cases, the person responsible for the child’s death unknowingly left them in the vehicle. In most situations this happens to the most loving, caring and protective parents. It has happened to a teacher, dentist, social worker, police officer, nurse, clergyman, soldier, and even a rocket scientist. It can happen to anyone…
For more information in multiple languages visit:
https://www.kidsandcars.org/how-kids-get-hurt/heat-stroke/
How quickly does a car heat up? See this video: https://weather.com/news/weather/video/how-quickly-does-a-car-heat-up
Other Dangers for Children in Cars:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/child-safety
