HOW FAST DOES YOUR CAR HEAT UP?
Never leave pets or kids alone in a vehicle on a warm day, even for a short time
June 27, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The inside of your car heats up rapidly, even when it’s not scorching hot outside. In just ten minutes on 70 degree day, the car’s interior can reach 104 degrees—and with 95 degree heat outside, your car’s interior can hit 129 degrees in that same short time. Never leave your pet, child or any person alone in a car on a warm day, even for a few minutes.
Two tragedies in the past week illustrate what can happen. In Kansas, two children died of heatstroke in hot cars on Father’s Day, reports KidsAndCars.org, a national nonprofit working to prevent injuries and deaths of children in and around vehicles. Here in EL Cajon, a dog left in a hot car at the EL Cajon courthouse died and the owner has been charged with animal cruelty.
In the past 20 years, 700 children have died in hot cars nationwide and seven young children have died of heatstroke in hot cars so far this year – including some youngsters forgotten in vehicles by parents and one child who climbed into an unlocked car in an apartment parking lot.
To prevent these tragedies, below are some tips for protecting your children and your pets.
Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers (from KidsAndCars.org)
Below are some simple tips parents and caregivers can follow to prevent heatstroke tragedies.
Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.
For further details about ways to keep children safe in and around vehicles, please visit www.KidsAndCars.org. SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS Instead of risking your dog’s life by leaving man’s best friend in the car, here are five alternatives. |
- Use the drive-through for errands when possible.
- Bring a friend to play with your dog outside while you’re inside running an errand.
- Shop at pet-friendly stories where your dog is welcome to browse with you.
- Eat at outdoor cafes where your dog can join you.
- Leave your dog at home, where it’s cool and safe.