“Kaitlyn’s Law” ” Don”t Leave Children in Hot Vehicles NA14131jm

WHAT:   
News Conference to bring awareness to the Dangers of Leaving a Child Alone in a Hot Vehicle.  

WHEN:   
Thursday, July 31, 2014
11:00 A.M.
        
WHERE:       
Los Angeles Police Department
Valley Traffic Division
7870 Nollan Place
Panorama City CA, 91402
        
WHO:         
LAPD Detective Bill Bustos, Valley Traffic Division
LAPD Sergeant Stephen Egan, Valley Traffic Division
LAPD Officer Chad Dellinger, Valley Traffic Division
LAPD Officer Art Ornelas, Valley Traffic Division
Helen Arbogast, Children’s Hospital Car Seat Instructor                                                                                           
.
WHY:    
On July 31, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (@NHTSAgov) will be conducting a nationwide social media campaign using: #checkforbaby and #heatstrokekills on all its social media posts.

In an effort to support this important message the L.A.P.D.’s Valley Traffic Division, while conducting our weekly Child Safety Seat Check-Ups, officers will be educating caregivers on the dangers of leaving their children unattended in hot vehicles.

VISUALS:   
Two vehicles will be placed in our parking lot with thermometers (one with the windows closed and one with the windows cracked) for the purpose of educating caregivers on the quickly rising temperatures inside a parked vehicle.   Results will be posted to NHTSA’s social media campaign as well as to our social media sites.    

In 10 minutes, a cars temperature can rise nearly 20 degrees
In 30 minutes, nearly 34 degrees
In 1 to 2 hours, 45 to 50 degrees

    *“Cracking” the window has little effect**

Valley Traffic invites the members of the media to observe our Child Passenger Seat installation/inspection station and vehicle temperature demonstration at Valley Traffic Division on July 31, 2014 to help NHTSA and the LAPD promote this important message.     

•    Since 1998 there have been 716 children nationwide die due to Parents/Caregivers leaving them unattended in automobiles.
•    2014 Year to date 17 children.  
•    Last year 2013 total 33        
•    An Average of 38 annually.        
•    The circumstances
           54% – Child “forgotten”
           32% – Child playing in unattended vehicle
           12% – Child intentionally left in vehicle
             2% – Unknown
•     More than half of the deaths were children under 2 years of age.

INFO:    
For more information click here or please contact Sergeant Stephen Egan, Valley Traffic Division at 818-644-8146.