Mayor Adams Visits Bronx Hiring Hall at Lehman College

 

Close to one thousand people came to Lehman College to apply for one of the twelve thousand jobs Mayor Eric Adams said were available at the second Bronx Hiring Hall. There  were three long lines for the Health and Hospitals Corporation which has three hospitals in the Bronx and eleven full service hospitals in New York City.  Bronx Borough President Vanea Gibson also stopped in to see how thing were going in the "Boogie Down Bronx".

New York City agencies such as the Administration for Children's Services, Civic Engagement Unit, Department of Citywide Services, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Buildings, Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYC Health and Hospitals, and the New York Police Department. Also on hand were the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit, Office of Citywide Recruitment, and Union DC 37 as resources. 

This was the lines, all three of them for the Health and Hospitals table.

Mayor Eric Adams came in to check on the Hiring Hall, as did Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. 

Mayor Adams is introduced by Executive Deputy Commissioner of DCAS  Beatrice Thuo, with DCAS Hiring Hall volunteer Katrina Porter.

Mayor Adams introduced Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

Bronx Borough President Gibson thanked the mayor for coming, and having the Hiring Hall again in the 'Boogie Down Bronx'.

Mayor Adams said that there are twelve thousand good paying city jobs that need to be filled. 

Mayor Adams stopped to talk to many of the people who came to the Bronx Hiring Hall.

The mayor also took photos with some of the people looking to work for the city.

Former FBI Analyst Sentenced for Retaining Classified Documents

 

Defendant Kept Hundreds of National Defense Documents at Her Home in Violation of the Espionage Act

A former analyst with the Kansas City Division of the FBI was sentenced in federal court today for illegally retaining documents related to the national defense at her residence.

Kendra Kingsbury, 50, of Garden City, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Kingsbury pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2022, to two counts of unlawfully retaining documents related to the national defense.

According to court documents, Kingsbury was an intelligence analyst for the FBI for more than 12 years, from 2004 to Dec. 15, 2017. Kingsbury was assigned to a sequence of different FBI squads, each of which had a particular focus, such as illegal drug trafficking, violent crime, violent gangs and counterintelligence. Kingsbury held a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance and had access to national defense and classified information. Training presentations and materials specifically warned Kingsbury that she was prohibited from retaining classified information at her personal residence. Such information could only be stored in an approved facility and container.

Kingsbury admitted that, over the course of her FBI employment, she repeatedly removed from the FBI and retained in her personal residence (at that time in North Kansas City, Missouri) an abundance of sensitive government materials, including classified documents related to the national defense.

In total, Kingsbury improperly removed and unlawfully and willfully retained approximately 386 classified documents in her personal residence. Some of the classified documents she unlawfully removed and kept in her home contained extremely sensitive national defense information. According to court documents, Kingsbury put national security at risk by retaining classified information in her home that would have, if in the wrong hands, revealed some of the government’s most important and secretive methods of collecting essential national security intelligence.

Kingsbury admitted to investigators that she retained and destroyed other documents over the years that could have contained classified and/or national defense information. The documents retained by Kingsbury in her personal residence included documents in electronic format on hard drives, compact discs and other storage media.

The national defense information that Kingsbury unlawfully retained included numerous documents classified at the SECRET level from the FBI that describe intelligence sources and methods related to U.S. government efforts related to counterterrorism, counterintelligence and defending against cyber threats. These documents included details on the FBI’s nationwide objectives and priorities, including specific investigations across multiple field offices that were open at the time Kingsbury unlawfully retained the documents. In addition, Kingsbury retained documents relating to sensitive human-source operations in national security investigations, intelligence gaps regarding hostile foreign intelligence services and terrorist organizations and the technical capabilities of the FBI against counterintelligence and counterterrorism targets.

The national defense information that Kingsbury unlawfully retained also included numerous documents classified at the SECRET level from another government agency. These documents described intelligence sources and methods related to U.S. government efforts to collect intelligence on terrorist groups. The documents included information about al Qaeda members on the African continent, including a suspected associate of Usama bin Laden. In addition, there were documents regarding the activities of emerging terrorists and their efforts to establish themselves in support of al Qaeda in Africa.

The FBI investigated what uses Kingsbury put to the classified documents she illegally removed from the secure workspace, but according to court documents, the investigation revealed more questions and concerns than answers.

Investigators reviewed Kingsbury’s telephone records, which revealed a number of suspicious calls. Kingsbury contacted phone numbers associated with subjects of counterterrorism investigations, and these individuals also made telephone calls to Kingsbury. Investigators have not been able to determine why Kingsbury contacted these individuals, or why these individuals contacted her. Kingsbury declined to provide the government with any further information.

The FBI Omaha Field Office is investigating the case.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON RENT GUIDELINES BOARD VOTE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams tonight released the following statement following the Rent Guidelines Board’s 5-4 vote to increase rents on rent-stabilized apartments by 3.0 percent on one-year leases and 2.75 percent and then 3.2 percent over two-year leases — approximately the same as a 4.5-percent increase on a two-year lease:

 

“I want to thank the members of the Rent Guidelines Board for their critically important and extremely difficult work protecting tenants from unsustainable rent increases, while also ensuring small property owners have the necessary resources to maintain their buildings and preserve high-quality, affordable homes for New Yorkers. Finding the right balance is never easy, but I believe the board has done so this year — as evidenced by affirmative votes from both tenant and public representatives.

 

“We also know that the real solution to the affordable housing crisis requires building more housing — that means getting New York City the tools we need to build the housing New Yorkers deserve. That is why we continue to fight for state action on affordable housing incentives, office conversions, and other key priorities. And we are using every tool in the city’s toolkit to build more housing more quickly — cutting red tape, making the largest financial commitment to affordable housing in the city’s history, and advancing a ‘City of Yes’ zoning amendment that will clear the way for new housing in every borough.”

Bronx Man Charged In Connection With Shooting At NYPD Officers

 

Anthony Gomez Allegedly Shot at Police Officers While on Leave from Federal Halfway House

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced charges against ANTHONY GOMEZ alleging that on June 16, 2023, he fired a 9mm bullet at NYPD officers in broad daylight on a busy street in the Bronx while he was on leave from a federal halfway house where he was completing his sentence for armed robbery.  Following the shooting, GOMEZ hid inside of a residential building, and eight hours later, he was arrested by the NYPD.  GOMEZ was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “By allegedly escaping from federal custody and brazenly shooting a gun at uniformed NYPD officers in broad daylight on a busy Bronx street, this repeat criminal has proven that he is a dangerous threat to our community.  I commend the work of our courageous NYPD officers in arresting and removing this violent felon from our streets, and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for its work in prosecuting this case.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]

NYPD officers witnessed GOMEZ attempting to hide a firearm in the front-right wheel well of a vehicle parked on a residential street in the Bronx.  When he realized he had been caught, GOMEZ grabbed the gun and tried to run from police.  

While attempting to flee, GOMEZ came upon additional NYPD officers, pointed the firearm at them several times, and fired a shot at them.  

After shooting the firearm at NYPD officers, GOMEZ continued to flee, hid inside a residential building, and was subsequently arrested by NYPD outside of a neighboring building with a rooftop that connects to the residential building in which GOMEZ hid.

GOMEZ was not permitted to possess ammunition because of his prior federal convictions for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.

GOMEZ committed this shooting while he was away on an approved pass from the halfway house at which he was residing.  GOMEZ failed to return to the halfway house before his designated curfew and is thus considered to have escaped from federal custody.

GOMEZ, 33, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with possession of ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, and escape from custody, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and thanked the United States Marshals Service and the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

California Skilled Nursing Facility and Management Company Agree to Pay $3.825 Million to Settle Allegations of Kickbacks to Referring Physicians

 

Alta Vista Healthcare & Wellness Centre, LLC (Alta Vista), a skilled nursing facility in Riverside, California, and its management company, Rockport Healthcare Services (Rockport), have agreed to pay the United States and California a total of $3.825 million to resolve allegations that they submitted and caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and Medicaid by paying kickbacks to physicians to induce patient referrals. The settlement amount was negotiated based on Alta Vista’s and Rockport’s lack of ability to pay.

The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. It is intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.

From 2009 through 2019, Alta Vista, under the direction and control of Rockport, gave certain physicians extravagant gifts, including expensive dinners for the physicians and their spouses, golf trips, limousine rides, massages, e-reader tablets, and gift cards worth up to $1,000. Separately, Alta Vista paid these physicians monthly stipends of $2,500 to $4,000, purportedly for their services as medical directors. At least one purpose of these gifts and payments was to induce these physicians to refer patients to Alta Vista.

“Kickbacks can impair the independence of physician decision-making and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to preventing illegal financial relationships that undermine the integrity of our public healthcare programs.”

“Decisions that affect patient health should be made solely on the basis of a patient’s best interest,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “When a healthcare company cheats and offers kickbacks to gain an unfair advantage, it jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of those who rely on its services. These illegal schemes also make public services and programs costlier, and ultimately waste valuable taxpayer dollars. Today, I thank the U.S. Department of Justice for teaming up with the California Department of Justice on this case. This settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of Medi-Cal, and the taxpayer dollars that support the program."

“The administrators and beneficiaries of the Medicare and Medicaid programs expect that providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment, not their personal self-interest,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “As this case demonstrates, our office will take decisive action to address allegations that medical providers are paying or receiving improper financial benefits that could impact care provided to patients.”

“Kickbacks impose hidden costs on the health care system, compromise medical decision making, and taint the doctor-patient relationship,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy B. DeFrancesca of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to prevent the waste of valuable taxpayer dollars and protect the integrity of federal health care programs.”

The defendants’ conduct allegedly resulted in false claims to Medicare and California’s Medicaid programs, the latter of which is jointly funded by the federal government and California. Under the settlement, they will pay $3,228,300 to the United States and $596,700 to California.

The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2015 by a former Alta Vista accounting employee, Neyirys Orozco, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit.  Orozco will receive $581,094 as her share of the federal government’s recovery in this case.

In addition to resolving their False Claims Act liability, Alta Vista and Rockport have entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the HHS-OIG which requires, among other compliance obligations, an Independent Review Organization’s review of Alta Vista’s and Rockport’s physician relationships.

The United States’ settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the HHS-OIG, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).

This matter was handled by the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and the California Department of Justice, with investigative support from the HHS-OIG.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary May 2023 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for May 2023. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.0% in April to 3.9% in May 2023.

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)
May 2022 and May 2023
(Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, May 2022 versus May 2023. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000. Unemployment Rates By County, New York State, May 2023 Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Governor Hochul Announces Opening of High Line-Moynihan Connector on Manhattan’s West Side

 

600-Foot-Long Elevated Path Adds New Woodland and Timber Bridges, Knits Together New Public Spaces and Public Transit Surrounding Moynihan Train Hall

Latest Addition to the High Line Opens to Public Tomorrow, June 22

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the new High Line - Moynihan Connector, a stunning new elevated pathway for pedestrians in the heart of Manhattan, with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Brookfield Properties and Friends of the High Line. The Connector knits together new public spaces and public transit surrounding Moynihan Train Hall with the High Line, allowing pedestrians an uninterrupted, accessible and safe path all the way from West Midtown to the West Village. It officially opens to the public tomorrow, June 22.

"The High Line is an outstanding example of effective public-private partnership, and this latest addition will enhance this attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to state resources and the combined efforts of Friends of the High Line and Brookfield, the High Line - Moynihan Connector will add 600 feet of new open space to transform one of New York City's busiest neighborhoods. This project is a testament to the power of smart, sustainable design, enhancing one of the most beloved parts of the city, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to take advantage of this beautiful new space."

Design for the 600-foot long, L-shaped High Line - Moynihan Connector began in February 2021 and the project broke ground in February 2022, completing construction in just 18 months. The Connector has two distinct sections: a richly planted, 340-foot Woodland Bridge that runs above West 30th Street from the High Line's terminus at the Spur and a 260-foot, one-block-long Timber Bridge, built from sustainably sourced Alaskan Yellow Cedar, that runs north above Dyer Avenue toward the adjacent Magnolia Court pedestrian plaza at Manhattan West. The project also includes significant safety improvements at street level, including new pedestrian signals, lighting, crosswalks, refuge islands and large planters.

The Connector is the result of a $50 million public-partnership established in 2021 among Friends of the High Line, Empire State Development, and Brookfield Properties, running above property owned by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As part of the three-way partnership, ESD contributed $20 million, Brookfield contributed $20 million, and Friends of the High Line contributed $10 million to the project. The project's innovative design was a collaboration by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and James Corner Field Operations. The Connector is owned by Empire State Development and will be operated and maintained by the Friends of the High Line, with structural maintenance oversight by AECOM.

The 1.5-mile High Line is a public park that operates under a license agreement and with partnership from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, which has made the park possible.

ON FIRST DAY OF SUMMER, NYC ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES RELEASES TIPS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE AS THEY ENJOY SUMMER

 

ACS Reminds Families to Have “Summer Fun” And “Play it Safe;” Tips Are Focused on Keeping Children Safe in and Near Water, By Windows, On Bicycles, At Playgrounds, and in Cars

Today, on the first day of summer, the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) released tips to help parents and caregiver keep children safe through the summer months. The tips are focused on five important topics: water safety, window safety, bicycle safety, playground safety and the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. The tips will be posted on social media throughout the summer and the public webpage: ACS - Summer Safety (nyc.gov).

“Summer should be a time for safe fun for families and that’s why we are providing tips on how to ‘Play it Safe’ this summer,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “By visiting our website, or by following ACS on social media, families have easy access to these important summer safety tips, which help all of us as parents and caregivers protect against all-too-common injuries to children. Families can keep their children safe by ensuring they are supervising at all times at the playground and near water – whether at the pool, the beach, or in a bath. Caregivers can also protect children by making ensuring that they wear safety equipment on bikes and scooters; that window guards are installed properly in their homes; and by never leaving a child unattended in a hot car. By following these important tips, New Yorkers can facilitate their children’s play and development while keeping them safe this summer!”

In 2021, ACS created the Office of Child Safety and Injury Prevention (OCSIP) to expand the agency’s existing efforts to reduce the risk of unintentional child injuries and fatalities. ACS has ongoing child safety campaigns, including those related to infant safe sleep practices and safe storage of prescription medications and cannabis edibles.

Below are ACS’s summer safety tips:

Water Safety

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old and the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 and under. Children less than a year old are more likely to drown at home in the bathtub or a bucket. Use these tips for water safety whether your kids are in bathtubs, pools, or around buckets:

• Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Young children can drown in as little as an inch of water, so it's important to keep them within an arm's reach of an adult.

• Empty tubs, buckets, containers and kids' pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children's reach.

• Close lids and doors. Keep toilet lids and doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed when not in use.

• Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.

• Stay close and be alert!

• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. It is important to know how to respond in an emergency without putting yourself at risk. 

Bicycle Safety

Bicycling is one of the best ways for children and parents to get exercise and see the sights. However, bicyclists face many hazards and must follow safety precautions to prevent injury. Help set kids up for a great ride by making sure they have all the right equipment in place and follow these tips:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Make sure the helmet is snug fitting, not tipped backward or forward and adjust the straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears.

• Make sure the bicycle is adjusted to fit the child’s size. Ensure that the seat height is adjusted to allow for a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended, handlebar height is at the same level as the seat; and the tires have enough air and the right amount of pressure.

• Watch for and avoid road, sidewalk and playground hazards.

•Avoid riding at night. 

Playground Safety

Playing in playgrounds is great for your child's physical, social and thinking development. By staying close to your child, especially when they're trying something new or complicated, you can help keep playground visits safe and give your child the confidence to develop movement skills. Playground safety is about supervising children and checking whether equipment is safe for them.

Playground Safety Tips:

• Look for a playground with a fence around it. This will help to stop young children from running on to nearby streets. It also makes it much easier if you're looking after several children at once.

• Look for a safe ground surface in your playground. The equipment should be set in a thick layer of material like organic mulch or soft rubber flooring, which will cushion falls. Check that equipment is well maintained, look for safe ground surfaces, and make sure that metal equipment isn't too hot to play on.

• Check that the equipment is in good condition and the general environment has no obvious safety hazards, like sharp sticks.

• Buckle your child into swings if buckles are available. Your child will be less likely to fall out.

• Check the temperature of playground equipment like metal slides, poles, barriers and surfaces. Materials like metal, rubber and artificial turf can heat up in the sun and become hot enough to burn.

• Gradually introduce children to activities on monkey bars, climbing frames, swings and slides, so they can build skills and confidence. 

Window Guards

As the weather gets warmer, many families may want to open their windows to let the fresh air in. But open windows can pose a serious risk to curious children. Each year, 3,500-5,000 U.S. children are hospitalized after falling from an open window. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), toddlers and preschool-aged kids have the highest likelihood of falling from a window and getting seriously hurt, many suffering serious and sometimes fatal head injuries. The best way to prevent accidental window falls are to watch your children around open windows and install window guards or window stops.

Other prevention tips:

• Window screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. A window screen is not considered a sufficient safety device because it is not designed to prevent a fall and will break easily under the weight of a child.

• Properly install window guards to prevent unintentional window falls.

• Keep windows locked and closed when they are not in use.

• Keep chairs, cribs and other furniture away from windows to avoid a potentially dangerous climb for small children. 

Hot Cars

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA), vehicular heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children. Many of these incidents involve a parent or caregiver forgetting a child was in the vehicle or child playing unattended in a vehicle. Parents and caregivers can act immediately to prevent these deaths by never leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for a minute! Even with the windows rolled down or the air conditioning on, a child's body temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult. If you see a child unattended in a vehicle, call 911.

Park-Look-Lock Tips:

• Make sure all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don't overlook sleeping babies!

• Always lock your car and keep car keys and fobs out of reach of children at all times. Teach children that cars are never to be used as a play area.

• Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and when the child is put in the seat, place the animal in the front with the driver. Or place your purse, briefcase or cell phone in the back seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.

• Make Look Before You Lock a routine whenever you get out of the car.

• Have a plan that your childcare provider will call you if your child does not show up for school.