A Florida woman, Elena Grady, 63, was arrested for neglect of a child causing bodily harm after leaving her 2-year-old grandchild alone in a hot car while she went grocery shopping at Publix. The incident occurred at the Publix on Roscommon Drive in Ormond Beach when store managers noticed the child inside the parked car. The child appeared lethargic as the car was parked in full sun with no shade and the windows cracked.
Authorities responded to the scene and found that the toddler had been left alone in the hot car for about 16 minutes when the temperature outside was above 90 degrees. A manager was able to unlock the car and bring the child into the store to cool down. Grady later approached them and took custody of the child. Deputies located Grady, checked on the child, and confirmed that she was in good health.
It is crucial to be aware of the dangers of leaving children, pets, or vulnerable adults in a hot vehicle, even for a short amount of time. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office shared a reminder on Facebook about how quickly temperatures can escalate inside a car that is turned off. On a 90-degree day, cars can reach 120 degrees within 30 minutes and 138 degrees after 90 minutes.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be vigilant and ensure the safety of those who are unable to care for themselves. It is essential to take precautions and avoid such preventable tragedies by never leaving anyone in a hot vehicle, especially during the hot summer months.
As the temperatures continue to rise during the summer, it is important to stay informed and educated about the risks associated with leaving individuals in hot cars. By spreading awareness and practicing responsible behavior, we can prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and protect the well-being of those who are most vulnerable. Let us all work together to keep our loved ones safe and secure, especially in extreme weather conditions.