ATLANTA – State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome) participated in the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning’s “Look Again” campaign, launched by Governor Nathan Deal, First Lady Sandra Deal and leaders of multiple state agencies on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. “Look Again” is a public awareness initiative of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) which calls for parents and caregivers of children to have heightened awareness this summer of the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
“As the temperatures start to rise, this is a crucial time of year to spread the word to remind parents, grandparents and caregivers of the very serious threat that can occur when a child is left alone in a vehicle, even for a brief period of time,” said Rep. Dempsey. “It was a privilege to participate in this event alongside Governor Deal, the First Lady, Commissioner Cagle, and many others who work to meet the needs of Georgia’s children and families. I believe it is vital that we get this message out to the public to ensure each child’s health and safety this summer.”
DECAL’s “Look Again” campaign provides greater public awareness of the risks of leaving children unattended in vehicles during the hot summer months in an effort to save lives. According to Bobby Cagle, Commissioner of Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the campaign’s message is: “When exiting a vehicle, look again in and under every seat in the vehicle to ensure that you don’t overlook a child and, once you know that everyone is out of the vehicle, look again to ensure you close and lock the vehicle’s doors.”
DECAL is also asking parents to serve as Georgia’s “eyes” in their communities and to contact local law enforcement if they ever see a child left unattended in a vehicle. Since 2010, seven children in Georgia have died of heatstroke while left unattended in vehicles. “By carefully following the state’s transportation rules and by remaining vigilant when transporting children, we can help prevent senseless tragedies and keep Georgia’s children safe and healthy and their families intact,” added Commissioner Cagle.
Rep. Dempsey was selected to participate in the event because of her role as a board member of the Governor’s Office for Children and Families and the First Lady’s Children’s Cabinet.
Tuesday’s launch also featured the premiere of a YouTube video advising parents and caregivers to always “Look Again.” To view DECAL’s “Look Again” YouTube video, please click here.
Representative Katie Dempsey represents the citizens of District 13, which includes portions of Floyd County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves as the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources. She also serves on the Rules, Economic Development and Tourism, Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications, Health and Human Services, and Higher Education committees.
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