Summer comes with plenty of reasons to smile and enjoy the beautiful weather, but it sure has been hot lately, when surprise thunderstorms are not sneaking up on us.
That said, one thing that does not make anyone smile is seeing a child or pet left in a burning hot car in a parking lot.
This is a problem we have opined on before, but it bears revisiting because of the prevalence at which it still takes place.
Most of us have noticed that it is unseasonably hot in Habersham County this summer. The temperature can rise past 150 degrees in our cars producing deadly heat.
Georgia is not a state that specifically prohibits leaving dogs in cars or allows bystanders to aid without fear of punishment. In Georgia, a person who leaves a dog in a hot vehicle is often charged with animal cruelty, but there are no protections in place if you smash a window in an attempt to save an animal.
In light of that, if you come across an animal in distress in a hot vehicle, alert authorities and/or the manager of the business where the car is parked right away. Even leaving the car running is risky, as the dog could either knock the car into gear, or the air conditioning could give out at any time.
Remember to not leave pets in cars and look out for others who may do so.
Leaving a child in a hot car is gross negligence and is tantamount to manslaughter. Don’t ever do it, it’s as simple as that.
We also need to check in on our elderly folks who may not have the most powerful air conditioning available to them. Their health could seriously be at risk at both this time of year and in the cold of winter, so we need to be vigilant in protecting them as well.
All of it really comes down to common sense and caring for your loved ones and pets. We really need to do that 365 days a year, but it’s especially important not to let ignorance or apathy cost someone their lives.
Stay cool. Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.