With the days getting hotter and hotter as summer goes into full swing, the number of dangerous circumstances in which kids and pets are left in hot cars is on the rise. Although we may not think of it when driving around in air-conditioned comfort, a car can quickly turn into a deadly oven when left powered down in the heat for even a few minutes. Never leave children or an elderly person unattended in the car, even to run a quick errand. A child's body can heat up five times faster than an adult. In as little as three minutes in the sun, a car's interior temperatures can heat up from 78 to 100 degrees. These temperatures put your loved ones at risk. Fortunately, police officers and firefighters are trained on how to "jimmy" a door open, using either airbags or a metal rod. This method is effective when time is on your side, but if all the windows are closed and it's already 85 degrees out, breaking the window may be the best option. Here are some steps you can follow to protect your loved ones from heatstroke: - Look before you lock! Make a habit of checking your vehicle before leaving it.
- When a child is missing, check vehicles and car trunks early in your search.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in the garage to ensure kids don't get in on their own. Keep car keys and/or keyless remote openers out of the reach of children.
- Create a reminder for yourself by putting something you'll need in the back seat of your car next to your child, like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or briefcase, etc.
- If you ever see a child or an elderly person alone in a car, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement immediately!