Jose G. Landa
Staff writer

Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center CEO Eladio Montalvo and administration  are raising awareness on the dangers of leaving children in vehicles, especially in extreme temperatures.
   On average, 38 children die every year because they’re alone in a vehicle. Sunlight coming through vehicle windows acts like an oven. It only takes a few minutes before a child can become dangerously overheated in a closed vehicle.  
   FDRMC with the assistance of Brown Chevrolet have set up a display outside of the hospital with a board monitoring the temperatures outside and inside the vehicle.
   Montalvo said the main purpose of the display is to bring awareness to a problem often seen in which children or pets are locked inside a vehicle.
   “We ask you to please never leave children in a vehicle out in the heat, especially if it’s turned off.We are trying to bring awareness to the community through this display to remind them of the problems that can come from such action.” said Montalvo
   Lourdes Perez of FDRMC states that the community should take precautions during this time as the heat is becoming unbearable. “Mtake sure you stay hydrated and if you know of any elderly please make sure that they’re okay and that they have the proper air conditioning to keep them cool. And if they don’t then lets help by looking for the agencies that can assist those people.”
   You are asked to take certain precautions such as never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle create reminders that you have a child with you, and if you see a child alone in a vehicle out in the heat take action and call 911 and ask for help.