Posted 8/1/07
BAKERSFIELD - Purple ribbons will soon be posted around town to remind parents
to never leave children unattended in hot cars.

The organization "For Your Kids Sake" has designated the month of August as National Purple Ribbon Month to educate and increase awareness of Kaitlyn's Law.

The law went into effect in 2002, making it illegal to leave a child six years and younger unattended in a car.

Kaitlyn's grandmother, Laura Peterson, wants parents to be informed about the law, and wants anyone who sees a child left alone in a car to take action.

You should never hesitate. You don't know how long the child has been left in the car," said Peterson. "If they have medical conditions, the younger they are, the worse it is. The fact they have left the child in the car. They have broken the law."

The law was named after 6-month-old Kaitlyn Russell, who died after she was left behind and forgotten in her babysitter's van. Her mother and grandmother began the organization "For Your Kids Sake", which is now world wide in honor of the precious baby girl.