122 calls in July: Police, Fire urge Edmontionans to stop leaving pets, children in car

The Edmonton Fire Rescue Service and Edmonton Police Service are desperately calling on all Edmontonians not to leave their pets and children in their car.

EFRS says they’ve already responded to an alarming 122 separate incidents in July alone.

“This number may surpass the last two Julys combined,” said EFRS in a post on X.

RELATED: Edmonton Fire receive more calls about pets left in hot vehicles

EFRS and EPS say a vehicle is not a babysitter, especially during hot weather.

According to the Canada Safety Council, on a warm day, a car that is parked in the shade with its windows down can reach 46 C within minutes.

“If you’re not with your children, you can’t protect them. Don’t let a moment of convenience become a lifetime of regret – never leave children alone in a vehicle,” said EPS in a statement.

Police say it only takes seconds for a child to be put at risk.

Anyone who sees a child in the car is asked to do the following:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately, and if you can’t connect with emergency services, call AMA Roadside Assistance at 1-800-222-4357.
• Stay with the child until help arrives.
• Ask others in the area to search for the driver. If the parent is found, work to get the child out of the vehicle.
• Don’t let fear or lack of time prevent you from reporting unattended children.

On a hot day, if you see a child in a car, police urge you to do the following:

• Call 9-1-1.
• Check for signs of overheating, which includes:
  • Fast, noisy breathing;
  • Disorientation;
  • Collapse;
  • Vomiting;
  • Lack of responsiveness.
• Check the vehicle’s doors:
  • If unlocked, remove the child;
  • If locked, break the glass and remove the child;
  • If the owner returns advise them that the police are on their way. And do not confront them.

If you see a pet locked in a car, you are asked to call 3-1-1.