2 Hudson Valley Children Left in Hot Cars This Week

With all of the high-profile stories of children being left in dangerously hot vehicles, it's hard to believe that there were two more incidents right here in the Hudson Valley this week.  The Times Herald Record reports that a New York City woman was arrested at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets on Saturday.  Eyewitnesses say a young boy was sitting in a car seat with the car locked and windows cracked open.  Even with the windows partially open, a car can reach dangerous temperatures on a mild day. It was 80 degrees in Woodbury on Saturday.  Emergency personnel were able to get the boy out of the car before the mother returned.  Sylvia Harden, a 35-year-old clothing designer from New York City, was identified as the mother of the boy and was arrested by police.

On Sunday some good Samaritans helped a panicked mother rescue her 6 month old from a locked car in the parking lot of Target in Newburgh.  The mother accidentally locked her keys in the car with her child inside.  After several attempts to break open the windows, a passerby was able to crack the window open and rescue the baby.

Safe Kids Worldwide suggest parents remember to ACT when it's hot out:

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. And make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.

 

C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, a purse or a cell phone that is needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.

 

T: Take action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

Find out more at Safe Kids Worldwide