2022-0207
Title
Proclamation: “Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Month”
Body
P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, according to the National Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, 23 children died of vehicular heatstroke while being left in hot vehicles, and so far in 2022, there have been nine vehicular heatstroke deaths. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, in 2021, 59 pets died of vehicular heatstroke while being left in hot vehicles, and so far in 2022, there have been 25 heatstroke deaths; and,
WHEREAS, it is hard to overstate the toll this takes on families, but together we can help put an end to this tragedy by taking some important steps; and,
WHEREAS, “Don’t Leave Me Behind” is a vehicular heatstroke prevention partnership between United Way of St. Charles Success by 6, St. Charles Women’s Club, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Public Schools, St. Charles Humane Society, St. Charles Fireman’s Association, St. Charles Parish Library, St. Charles Community Health Center, German Coast Farmer’s Market, Four Stars Childcare Facility, and St. Charles Parish Government. Information is available through contact with any of these agencies; and,
WHEREAS, the following strategies can save the life of a child or pet: keep car doors locked when parked to prevent a child from climbing in and becoming trapped, never leave a child or pet in a vehicle when running errands, make it a habit to check the front and back seat of your vehicle before locking the door and walking away, place your purse or briefcase in the back seat to remind you to look before you lock, invest in a car-child-safety mirror, write a brightly-colored sticky note to put on the dash board of your car to remind you of your child or pet in the vehicle; and,
WHEREAS, St. Charles Parish is committed to working closely with community advocates to help prevent kids and pets from being left in cars unattended. Our goal is to educate parents and caregivers about vehicular heatstroke in order to prevent tragedies when travelling with kids and pets, no matter how short or long the trip; and,
WHEREAS, St. Charles Parish encourages all parents, family members, and caregivers, to work together with the agencies promoting the “Don’t Leave Me Behind” prevention and awareness program, and to relay the information obtained to friends and coworkers through social media.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, WE THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AUGUST 2022 AS
“VEHICULAR HEATSTROKE AWARENESS MONTH”
IN ST. CHARLES PARISH AND URGE ALL CITIZENS TO HELP PREVENT THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE, OF KIDS AND PETS BEING LEFT IN UNATTENDED CARS.
MATTHEW JEWELL DICK GIBBS
PARISH PRESIDENT COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT III
BETH A. BILLINGS NICKY DUFRENE
COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. A COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT IV
HOLLY FONSECA MARILYN B. BELLOCK
COUNCILWOMAN AT LARGE, DIV. B COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT V
LA SANDRA DARENSBOURG GORDON BOB FISHER
COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT I COUNCILMAN, DISTRICT VI
MARY K. CLULEE JULIA FISHER-CORMIER
COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT II COUNCILWOMAN, DISTRICT VII
Vehicular Heatstroke Awareness Month 2022.pcl