MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler is reminding parents and caregivers not to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles as the region faces excessive heat warnings and record-breaking temperatures this summer.
The Mercer County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the effort to prevent childhood heat-related deaths, according to Kemler.
"Tragic heat-related deaths are preventable," Kemler said.
A car's interior temperature can become deadly within minutes during hot weather, according to Kemler.
"Look again before you lock: Heat-related deaths are preventable. This simple action can make a life-saving difference," Kemler said.
Kemler urged parents and caregivers to never leave a child unattended in a car, and to apply the same rule to pets. He also encouraged residents to make a habit of checking the back seat before leaving a vehicle.
"Please, check your car's back seat, and never leave a child behind, even for a few minutes," Kemler said.
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