Winter Storm Prompts Attention To Free Pop-A-Lock "PALSavesKids" Program

LAFAYETTE, La., Jan. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Northeast region prepares for a potential record snow storm, Pop-A-Lock, the country's largest security company, reminds parents and emergency organizations about its PALSavesKids program that directs regional franchisees and technicians to prioritize calls that involve unattended children in locked cars.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160120/324176

The goal of the PALSavesKids program is to prevent vehicular hypothermia and educate caregivers about this free community service.

"We launched this program to educate caregivers about the severe dangers of leaving children in unattended vehicles," said Pop-A-Lock Chief Executive Officer Don Marks.  "By using our expertise in the security industry, we are able to quickly and efficiently remove children from harm."

Aimed at supporting local police and firefighters, the program instructs individuals to first call 9-1-1 and then call 1-800-Pop-A-Lock.  

The Pop-A-Lock technician nearest to the scene will prioritize the call to arrive as soon as possible to unlock the child from the automobile.  This free community service program has saved over 350,000 children since its inception.

Even though children may not be directly exposed to the snow, they are still at high risk for hypothermia if left in unattended vehicles. The following facts highlight the severity of leaving children in locked vehicles:

• Smaller body size and an inability to make enough body heat through shivering puts children at higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to cold conditions.
• According to the Drive Steady Advocacy Group, children left in cold cars can suffer frostbite, or hypothermia if their body temperature drops below 95ºF. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, poor coordination, slurred speech, and numbness. Children may have trouble communicating these symptoms.
• Car seats and wearing restrictive clothing can actually increase the risk and worsen the chances of hypothermia in young children.

To prevent vehicular hypothermia from occurring, the PALSavesKids program includes a call-to-action: "PALSaves 1-2-3" that reminds caregivers to "look before you lock" by: 1-Stopping; 2-Looking; and then 3-Locking.  

PALSavesKids' mascot, PAL Super Dog, also offers gentle reminders to caregivers to always look in the backseat before leaving the vehicle.  Specific recommendations to prevent locking children in automobiles include:

• Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.
• Put something you'll need like your cell phone or handbag on the floorboard in the back seat.
• Keep a large stuffed animal or favorite toy in the child's car seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal or toy in the front passenger seat to serve as a reminder.

About Pop-A-Lock

Pop-A-Lock™ is the most trusted team of security professionals in the nation. The company has grown to serve 8,500 communities throughout the U.S. and Canada, providing advanced technology security services, locksmithing, roadside assistance, and free security audit information for businesses, homes, and schools. http://www.popalock.com/

Media Contact:
Krista Sherkey
Streamline6 Communications
Email
Cell: 913-775-3637

SOURCE Pop-A-Lock

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