Longview Police Remind Citizens Not to Leave Children, Pets in Cars

LONGVIEW — Longview police are renewing an advisory not to leave pets and children alone in cars. During the past week, the Longview Police Department has responded to at least four incidents of children and pets being left in vehicles unattended. Luckily, none of the incidents in Longview have resulted in death or serious injury to those involved.

It is a class C misdemeanor to leave a child under the age of 7 in a vehicle alone for more than 5 minutes and not attended by a person 14 years of age or older. This includes a vehicle left running with the air conditioner on. Unknowingly, police say, a vehicle thief may take off with more than just a person�s valuables; the thief may have that person�s child or pet in the car. To avoid this and other potentially tragic situations, police advise that you simply take your children or pets inside with you or wait until you have made other arrangements for your children or pets to be taken care of.

Other tips to help end children and pets left in cars:
– Place an item, such as a purse, briefcase, diaper bag, cell phone, etc. near the child to remind the driver to pick up the child as well.
– Practice a �look twice before you leave� routine to scan the vehicle�s interior each time you get out of the vehicle.
– Make a plan with the child care provider to call you if your child does not show up on time.
– If you see an unattended child or pet in a hot vehicle call 9-1-1 immediately.