Summer heat requires extra vigilance when you have children, vulnerable adults or pets in your vehicle.
A car’s interior can become dangerously hot, fast, even during cooler temperatures. That can lead to heat-related illnesses or worse for kids, the elderly, people with disabilities or pets.
With high and extremely high summer heat in parts of California, risks increase.
When it’s 100 degrees outside, the inside of a car can reach 110 degrees in five minutes. After 10 minutes, the temperature can rise to 120 degrees, according to experts. Parking in the shade or rolling down a window does not reduce the temperature enough.
High temperatures can cause heat stroke in kids. Their body temperature rises faster than adults. Elderly and disabled people are also more susceptible to heat illnesses. Pets left in a rapidly heating car can overheat when panting is no longer effective, according to the ASPCA.
Hot car deaths are the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the country, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration.
Here are tips that can help prevent heat-related issues with a vehicle:
- Never leave children, seniors or pets in unattended in a vehicle – for any length of time.
- Look before you lock: Look in your vehicle, especially the backseat, before you lock it. Make it a habit.
- Place a purse, water bottle or keys in the backseat as a reminder to check your vehicle before locking it.
- Some cars have built-in reminders to check for children – pay attention to them.
And, if you see a child alone in a locked car, immediately call 911.
Related information:
Extreme Heat Tips for Children | Cal OES News
Child Heatstroke Prevention: Prevent Hot Car Deaths | NHTSA