Abstract: A method for notifying a user regarding a critical condition in a vehicle is presented. A monitoring device is positioned on a surface of a vehicle within an appropriate range of distance from a reference point in the vehicle. The monitoring device includes an infrared sensor for detecting radiation emitted from animate objects in a vehicle. A temperature of an interior of the vehicle is regularly measured. The interior of the vehicle is checked for any radiation emitted in order to detect a presence of an occupant located within the vehicle. Upon determining the presence of the occupant, verification is made whether the temperature of an interior of the vehicle is at a threshold temperature, whereupon a notification message is generated to a user associated with the monitoring device. Confirmation of receipt of the message may be required before the monitoring device attempts to alert alternate emergency contact numbers.