Hot car warning goes unheeded

ERIN PEARSON
GEELONG children continue to be left in hot cars despite ongoing warnings from emergency services, according to police.
Leading Senior Constable Jen Horgan said just last week a child was rescued from a car in Geelong after grabbing the car keys and locking themselves in.
“A mother sat the child in the car with the air conditioning running to cool the car but when she wasn’t looking the child locked the doors,” she said.
“The mother was trying to do the right thing but left the keys in reach of the child. Keys aren’t a play thing and parents must realise this.”
Sen Const Horgan said shopping centres were hot spots for children left in cars over summer.
“The public is more vigilant over the summer months and will call police if they are concerned about a child or animal left in a hot car,” she said.
According to Bureau of Meterology temperatures across Geelong and the Surf Coast will remain warm throughout January, February and March.
Barwon South West SES manager Mark Keily said apart from putting children and pets at risk, it also unnecessarily tied up emergency services.
He said members had to gain access to the car quickly, often through a window, which was distressing for all involved.
“On a 40 degree day the temperature gets up to 50 degrees in a matter on minutes,” he said.