Despite the obvious dangers, leaving children or pets in a parked car continues to result in tragic consequences. As of this year, 18 children have died across the country after being left in hot cars, and hundreds of pets succumb to heatstroke annually under similar circumstances. The National Weather Service stresses the importance of vigilance during the hot summer months to prevent these avoidable deaths.
The temperature inside a car can soar to dangerous levels in under ten minutes, even on moderately warm days. This rapid increase poses severe risks of heat-related illnesses or death for anyone left inside, including during winter. Children can inadvertently be left behind or may enter parked cars while playing, finding themselves trapped. The impending hot and humid weather exacerbates this danger, causing vehicle interiors to reach fatal temperatures swiftly.
Small children are particularly vulnerable as they are unable to remove their clothing, articulate their discomfort, or exit the vehicle independently. Dogs, too, suffer significantly as they cannot sweat to regulate their body temperature, which can rise perilously even with partially open windows. Heatstroke, a critical medical emergency, can lead to brain damage or death if not promptly addressed. In 2023, 29 children died from heatstroke in cars.
Regarding pets, all dogs start to experience heat stress when the ambient temperature exceeds 85°F. On a 70°F day, the inside of a car can reach 90°F within just ten minutes, with dogs beginning to show signs of heat exhaustion in as little as six minutes. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, car temperatures can increase by nearly 20°F in ten minutes and almost 30°F in twenty minutes.
Within an hour, the temperature inside a car can surpass the outside temperature by 40°F. Therefore, even on a pleasant 70°F day with the car parked in the shade, the interior can reach a sweltering 110°F in just sixty minutes. For instance, a brief 20-minute stop at the store on an 80°F day can result in the car’s interior reaching 109°F. On a 90°F day, this dangerous temperature can be reached in just ten minutes.
To ensure the safety of children and pets in hot cars, consider the following tips:
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
Always check the entire vehicle before locking the doors, paying special attention to the back seat.
Place an essential item in the back seat as a reminder to open the back door upon arrival.
Utilize cars equipped with sensors or apps that alert you if someone is in the back seat.
Follow the rule of thumb: when it’s 70°F or hotter, don’t take Rover. Always look before you lock to ensure no child or pet is left behind.
By adhering to these guidelines, we can help prevent unnecessary tragedies and keep both people and pets safe during the hot weather.
Related Topics:
