WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU SEE A CHILD OR PET LOCKED UP IN A HOT CAR? THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE OFFERS SOME GUIDANCE. I-S-P TROOPER MINDY CARROLL SAYS THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS CALL 9-1-1. GIVE THEM YOUR LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE, AND THEN WAIT AT THE CAR UNTIL HELP ARRIVES.

CARROLL SAYS IF THE TEMPERATURES ARE VERY HIGH AND THE CHILD OR ANIMAL LOOKS TO BE IN SERIOUS DISTRESS…YOU SHOULD GO AHEAD AND BREAK THE CAR WINDOW. SHE ADVISES HAVING SOMEONE STAY WITH YOU AS A WITNESS IN THAT SITUATION.