As summer heats up, it is important for parents and anyone else traveling with children or pets to take precautions to prevent accidental heat stroke. The interior of a car can get extremely hot very quickly, even if it's the temperature is not that high outside. SafeKids.org reports the interior of a car can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit on an 80-degree day in just 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
You should never, ever leave a child unattended in a car – even for just a few minutes – as this can lead to hyperthermia and even death. An average of 38 children die in cars each year, roughly one death every nine days, according to KidsandCars.org. You should always check your car before exiting to ensure your children are not still inside. Leaving a purse, wallet or phone in the back can help serve as a reminder to double check, as there is no such thing as being too safe. Even if you are certain you'd never forget your child was in the car accidents can happen, so it is best to err on the side of caution.<\/p>\n
The same precautions should be taken for pets. Animals are just as susceptible to heatstroke as people, and cracking a window is not enough. Bonnie Betrang, a community service officer at the Eau Claire Police Department in Wisconsin, told the Leader-Telegram people bringing pets along for a car ride should leave the car running with the air conditioner on. If this cannot be done, it is safer to leave the pet at home.<\/p>\n