The “Do You Have Everyone?” red sticker is an important summer reminder from Elie Y. Katz, a longtime Teaneck councilman, who is partnering with Teaneck Police Benevolent Association (PBA) on an awareness campaign to ensure kids and pets are safe from hot cars this summer.
As the summer progresses along with increased temperatures, children and pets are in grave danger of overheating if left in the car for too long. Taking children and pets out of hot cars can and does prevent them from dying in the backseat of a locked car.
“I saw this being done in Lakewood, and it’s very apropos,” Katz told The Jewish Link. “You hear stories every summer about ‘mistakes’ that cause kids or pets their lives,” he added. “Let’s prevent that from happening here.”
Aside from telling everyone he knows to be careful, Katz wanted to do more. “I decided to do an awareness campaign with merchants. The signs are very noticeable. It’s meant to remind you, ‘did you leave anything or anyone important in the car?” asked Katz. He shared pictures of the bright red signs, with one prominently placed at Emporio’s mens clothing store on West Englewood Avenue and another at The Purple Bow on Queen Anne Road.
Referring to the recent heat wave temperatures, he noted, “I can’t imagine leaving a baby in a hot car for even 10 minutes in that heat. I understand that people are always very busy looking at their phones and texts. Sometimes people accidently make these mistakes, but they are preventable.” he said.
Katz noted that the PBA is helping to increase awareness as well. “I reached out to Teaneck’s Police Benevolent Association, as they are always trying to get involved in helpful campaigns for the community.” He expressed thanks to PBA president Detective Brennan who has been his contact. “It’s good to work shoulder-to-shoulder with-police,” Katz added.
Binyamin Fox, a 10th grader who is working in Katz’s office this summer, has been going door to door to bring the stickers to the merchants. “He’s been doing a great job,” said Katz.
Merchants are asked to place the red stickers in their shop windows. To receive a sign, please email [email protected]. There may be a limited number of signs remaining for residents to post as well; please email as well to request stickers or more information.
But now that you know about Katz’s campaign, he asks everyone to partner with him to ensure everyone’s safety this summer. Speaking to the entire community about being alert to children and pets in hot cars, he said, “Now you’re a part of the campaign that could potentially save a life.”
By JLNJ Staff
