With summer here and restrictions easing, it's vital to refresh our awareness of safety, particularly when it comes to our children and pets. Our lives can get busy, and forgetfulness can set in, so it's crucial to stay vigilant. Tragedies can occur when we lose focus, especially in the hot weather.

Every summer, we hear heartbreaking stories of parents unintentionally leaving their child in a hot car, often with devastating consequences. To help prevent such tragedies, I'm committed to sharing essential reminders through writing, blogging, vlogging, and any means possible. Whether you're traveling with your child or your pets, it's crucial always to keep them within your sight. Here are some important tips that I consistently share with friends, family, and coworkers:

1. Place your child's car seat or your pet carrier where you can always see them. This ensures they're within your view at all times.
2. Invest in a brightly colored car-seat for your child or a carry-on for your small pets. This makes them more visible.
3. Dress your child/ children in bright colors.
4. Always check your car before exiting. Once you have parked your car, make it a habit to always look back and scan the vehicle.
5. Once you've stepped out, make it a habit to open the vehicle doors just to make sure all is clear.   Often times, we tend to forget because the child is asleep.
6. Never leave a child or a pet in a car, even for 5 minutes. If you can't take your pets inside a store, leave them at home where it's safer and cooler, or call ahead, often times, the store will give you permission to bring your pet inside. make sure your pet in on a lease and is under your control at all times.
7. It's still dangerous to keep your child or pets in a hot car with the windows down, the temperature inside your car will rise very quickly.
8. Keep plenty of water with you, if you're playing with your pets outside, keep a portable water bottle and a bowl, ensure that they get enough rest after a run and try to keep them in a shaded area.

Remember, when it comes to our children and pets, they rely on us for their safety. We can never be too cautious. Let's make safety a top priority, especially during the hot summer months.