County reminds residents: Don’t leave kids, pets in hot cars | Health

With temperatures above 90 degrees and high humidity expected over the next couple of days, County Executive Mike Breslin and Sheriff Craig Apple are reminding residents to not leave children or pets in vehicles.

The temperature inside a car on a hot day can easily reach 120 to 150 degrees and could have potentially fatal consequences for children or animals left in cars.

“There is no excuse to leave children or pets locked in a vehicle in sweltering temperatures,” said Breslin in a statement. “Children and animals are more susceptible to heat than adults. Leaving them in the car even for a few minutes could lead to heat exhaustion and even death.”

“Leaving children or pets in a car in this weather is like leaving them in an oven,” said Apple. “We urge everyone to be smart and safe—bring children in with you and leave the pets cool at home. If you see a child or pet in an unattended car, call 911 immediately.”  

Keep Your Kids Safe

·        Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s and are at greater risk for heat-related deaths.

·        Never leave a child in a car, even if you leave the windows open.

·        Lock up your car and don’t let children play in the car. Children have locked themselves in a hot car while playing.

·        Check seat belt buckles and the car seat surface before placing your child in the car seat to make sure they are not hot.

Keep Your Animals Safe

·        Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and death.

·        Parking in the shade or rolling down a window does not protect the animal.

·        Leave your pet at home.

For tips to prevent heat related illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.