NWS: Never Leave Children, Pets Unattended in Vehicles

Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 10:15 AM

The National Weather Service in Wilmington is urging individuals to “look before you lock”.

Shutterstock photo.

(Wilmington, Oh.) – The National Weather Service in Wilmington is urging individuals to “look before you lock”.

According to noheatstroke.org, 38 children die from heatstroke each year by being left in an unattended vehicle, with 54 percent being forgotten by their caregiver.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day with temperatures in the 70s. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate

The National Safety Council offers a free online course about the danger of vehicular heatstroke and children, the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying and what we all can do to prevent these deaths. Kids in Hot Cars - National Safety Council (nsc.org)

The same risk exists for pets.

Animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes, and cracking the windows does not help, according to the NWS.

During hot weather, it is best to keep your pets at home.

For more information, visit Children, Pets and Vehicles (weather.gov).