By Frank C. Ortis
As you know August is one of our hottest months of the year, parents and others must remain vigilant about the ongoing danger of leaving children and pets in hot cars. It still amazes me after all my years in “Sunny” Florida that this is an ongoing problem. Last year 52 children died after being left in hot cars. That’s the highest total of vehicular heatstroke deaths in the last 21 years, according to noheatstroke.org.
So far this year, there have been 10 deaths, according to the site. Temperatures that might seem comfortable for adults can quickly become dangerous for children and pets. Even elderly passengers who can’t care for themselves, or those with cognitive problems, can also be at risk if they’re left in a car on even a mild day. I urge everyone to please, never, ever leave your kids or pets in a parked car, even for a moment.
In a few weeks, families will be making the transition from the lazy days of summer to the new school year. It’s a time when parents often breathe a sigh of relief, and students and teachers anticipate new beginnings and new challenges.
It’s also a time when motorists should slow down and proceed with caution in school zones, stop for buses and be alert for children walking in the street or biking to school. Parents can help by teaching their children safety rules and supervising young children as they walk or bike to school or as they wait at the school bus stop. And, students should practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus. If walking to school, they should learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians, cross at cross walks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and safety patrol instructions.
Although the summer is starting to wind down, I hope everyone still gets a chance to take some time to relax a bit and enjoy all the amenities the City of Pembroke Pines has to offer during our summer months. I encourage all Pines residents to visit the Recreation & Cultural Arts web page at www.ppines.com, check our calendars, and visit our Facebook page at www.facebook/cityofpembrokepines for exciting events and programs that are planned for the coming months.
Please remember that we are still in hurricane season and are quickly approaching our most active time of the year. I hope everyone has their hurricane plans in place and are taking steps to prepare. This also includes pruning trees and landscaping now before a storm is on our doorstep. Be sure to visit our hurricane preparedness information at www.ppines.com/hurricane to help you in your preparations. There are helpful tips, informational videos, resources etc. covering every aspect of making sure we are storm safe.
This month I also will be having my annual State of the City Address in various locations throughout the City. The State of the City Address will highlight the City’s achievements in 2018, look at the city’s current status and plans and provide a glimpse into the City’s future. For locations and times, please go to the city website @ www.ppines.com. Flyers will also be sent out and signs will be posted.
Mayor Frank C. Ortis
City of Pembroke Pines
- As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or by email at [email protected].