Warren - PA    As summer heat builds across the region, Pennsylvania State Police are urging drivers to never leave children or pets alone in a parked vehicle—even for just a few minutes.

Interior temperatures can skyrocket quickly, turning a car into a dangerous and potentially deadly environment with cracked windows or a running engine offering little protection against the heat.
 
“It’s a preventable situation that unfortunately, even now we see too often,” stated Cpl. Noelle Koebley, Pennsylvania State Police.
 
Officials advise all parents—including pet owners—to play it safe when running errands by using simple reminders. Placing a phone, purse, or other needed item in the back seat can help ensure no one is left behind.
 
“I know parents don't want to wake a sleeping child, because they might scream or cause a little chaos in the store,” Koebley said. “But you should take them into the store. Do not leave them sleeping in the vehicle, even if the vehicle is running. That puts your child or your pet in great danger.”
 
Officials also stress that there are important steps to take if you encounter a child or animal who appears to be in distress in a locked vehicle. 

"Former Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill in 2019 offering legal protection for people who rescue trapped children in vehicles, but it only applies if you have made every attempt to contact the owner of the vehicle and have also contacted the proper authorities before entering the car - but unfortunately this law does not apply when it comes to cats or dogs."
 
The Good Samaritan law that was passed in 2019 by former Governor Tom Wolf offers legal protection to those who break into a vehicle to rescue a child believed to be in imminent danger. However, it only applies if the person has first made a good faith effort to contact the vehicle owner and emergency responders. The law does not cover situations involving animals, and individuals could be held liable for any damage caused in those cases.

Experts advise the public to stay alert during hot weather and use their best judgment when it comes to leaving anyone - or anything - in a vehicle.

For more safety tips and resources, visit here.