Baby Rescued from Hot Car at Metro Station

A 6-month-old child may have been in a hot car at a Silver Spring Metro station for nearly three hours Wednesday morning before his father remembered the child and called for help.

NBCWashington reports the baby was rescued from a car at the Forest Glen Metro parking lot by Montgomery County firefighters. Rescuers broke into the man’s car in Silver Spring after he called the baby’s grandparents for help and they called emergency officials. The child’s father had gone on to work and belatedly remembered the boy.

Metro officials say the child is being treated at a local hospital for an elevated body temperature, but he is alert.

The unidentified father, 31, took the Red Line to work, belatedly realized he’d forgotten the youngster and called for help, WTOP reports.

Police have referred the incident to Child Protective Services to determine if charges should be filed.

So far this year, 11 children have died in the United States inside hot cars, according to KidsandCars.org.

SEE ALSO: 30 Hot Days, 30 Lost Children: Season For Hot-Car Deaths Arrives

Patch has compiled these hot car safety tips for parents fromKidsandCars.org and Parents.com. Review the list and keep a printout in your vehicle as a reminder and checklist.

• Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.
• Put your purse, briefcase, cell phone or lunch in the backseat so you are sure to look before you lock the door.
• Make it a habit to always open the back door of your vehicle every time you park to make sure no child has been left behind.
• Keep a large stuffed animal in the child’s car seat when it’s empty; move the toy to the front seat when a child is riding in the car seat as a visual reminder that a child is on board.
• Place your child’s car seat in the middle of the backseat rather than behind the driver. It’s easier to see the child.
• Arrange with your day-care center or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there as scheduled.
• Lock your vehicles at all times -- even in the garage or driveway – so youngsters can’t climb in without your knowledge.
• Keep keys and remote openers out of the reach of children.
• Check vehicles and car trunks first when a child is missing.
• Take action if you see a child alone in a vehicle. Call 911 immediately.
• Discuss the issue of hot-car safety with everyone who drives your child, including partners, grandparents, and babysitters.
• Use drive-through services when available at restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc. to remain in the vehicle with your child.
• Use your debit or credit card to pay for gas at the pump.