Parking lots typically use banner and flyer printing services to warn people about the dangers of leaving children inside hot cars during the summer. Now, a law will officially go into effect in towns like Montgomery towards the end of the summer, meaning any person who breaks into a vehicle to save a child will be spared from criminal charges.
There are, however, certain steps that must be taken before a car can be broken into. First, the person must ensure that the car is locked and there is no alternative way for the incapacitated person or child to exit the vehicle without assistance. Second, the rescuer must phone 911 before attempting to break in. Once the child or person has been extracted from the car, the rescuer must remain with the person until first responders arrive.
Tim Honeycutt, Pelham Fire Chief, reported that they get many such calls about children left in hot cars over the summertime and the new law will allow them to save more people in less time. He stated:
“It will impact our response because, especially in an event like that where we would respond to one, it will now help us to manage the incident a little quicker without any type of hesitation.”