Despite the number of rainy days recently, summer brings those long hot days with it too. It’s important to remember the effects the heat can have on a person, especially children. It can be easy to leave the kids in the car for just a few minutes to run into the store but Strathmore Fire Department Deputy Chief of Operations, Judy Unsworth warns of the dangers of heat in vehicles during hot days.

“Well the heat is tremendously higher inside a car than it is outside a car and the potential could be up to death,” explains Unsworth. For example, at a temperature of about 24 degrees Celsius, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can increase by about 10 degrees in just 10 minutes. Spending just one hour in a hot vehicle can be deadly for children and pets.

Even when parked in the shade, or with the windows left open slightly, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels for people and pets in a short time. Unsworth said if someone were to come across a child or pet in potential distress, call 911 immediately.

Signs of heat exhaustion in children include confusion, rapid breathing, fainting, profuse sweating, and pale skin. Pets can also exhibit signs of heat exhaustion with excessive panting, dark tongue, thick saliva, lack of coordination, and exhaustion.

To avoid leaving pets or kids unattended in a car it’s recommended you create a habit of checking the back seat of your vehicle by placing an item like a purse, wallet, or bag in the back to ensure kids or pets are not left behind. Be sure to lock your vehicle to avoid children climbing into them and potentially locking themselves inside.

Leaving different items in a car during hot days can also be dangerous as with a high enough temperature, certain items may melt or explode in the heat. Be sure to remove things like plastic bottles, aerosol cans, or electronics from vehicles on hot days. Use caution when entering a vehicle parked in the sun on hot days as the temperature of some surfaces can become hot enough to burn skin when touched.