Children Left In Hot Car While Mom Shops In Sterling

STERLING, VA — Tuesday was one of the muggier days of the summer, along with highs in the 90s — temperatures that felt even hotter because of the humid conditions. Yet that didn't prevent a mother from leaving her two small children alone inside a vehicle with the windows slightly cracked while she went to a store to shop, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

Around 5:45, police responded to the 45000 block of Dulles Crossing Plaza after receiving a report about the children. The kids were retrieved and taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The mother was located inside a nearby store. Laura A. Portillo, 35, of Sterling, was arrested and charged with two counts of child neglect. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts. Also, like us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Like Ashburn Patch on Facebook, then continue reading below.

Here are some police tips about vehicles and hot weather:

• Never leave your child or family pet unattended in a motor vehicle, even with the windows cracked open a few inches. Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.
• Always lock car doors and trunks -- even at home -- and keep keys out of children's reach. Watch children and family pets closely around cars, particularly when loading or unloading items.
• Always make sure all children and family pets have left the car when you reach your destination.
• Don't overlook sleeping infants or pets.
• If your child or family pet gets locked inside a car, get them out and dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
• When restraining children in a car that has been parked in the heat, check to make sure seating surfaces and equipment (car seats and seat belt buckles) aren't excessively hot.
• Use a light covering to shade the seat of your parked car. Consider using windshield shades in front and back windows.
• Keep the trunk of your car locked at all times, especially when parked in the driveway or near the home.
• Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to help prevent kids and pets from getting into the trunk from inside the car.
• Put car keys out of children's reach and sight.
• Be wary of child-resistant locks. Teach older children how to disable the driver's door lock.

Image via Shutterstock