County safety demonstration to raise awareness about children and hot cars

Vanessa Romo
8:27 AM, Jul 18, 2018
11:30 PM, Jul 18, 2018

At the purple ribbon event, first responders reminded parents about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. More events are being planned for the rest of the month.

KERO

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Department of Human Health Services will host a press conference and safety demonstration regarding children and hot cars today at 10:30 a.m. at the Bakersfield College Child Development Center. 

The Department partners with First 5 Kern, Kern County Sheriff, and the California Highway Patrol for "Purple Ribbon Month" in honor of of Kaitlyn Marie Russell. 

This event hopes to raise awareness of "Kaitlyn's Law" which was passed in 2001. This law makes it a citable offense for parents to leave children under the age of 6 unattended in a motor vehicle without the supervision of someone at least 12 years of age. 

The Law was named after 6-month-old Kaitlyn Marie Russell, who died on August 15, 2000. She was left in a hot van. 

July is also in memory of all the children who have lost their lives in and around cars. Already this year, 21 children have died nationwide from hypothermia, including two in California this year. 

Events for "Purple Ribbon Month" are scheduled throughout July and August. 

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