Child and Pet Heatstroke Prevention

Did you know that a child’s body temperature can rise 3-5 times faster than an adult’s?

Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit for humans and animals. A child can die when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Even if the temperature outside is only 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of your vehicle may be as much 20 degrees hotter. On an 85 degree day, in just 10 minutes the temperature inside of a vehicle can reach 102 degrees. Within 30 minutes the temperature inside of a car can increase from 85 degrees to 120 degrees.

Leaving a child or pet in a car during warmer weather can lead to tragedy, quickly. 

To prevent hot car deaths you can:

• NEVER leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time. Even with the windows cracked or down and parked in the shade the interior temperature of a vehicle can increase to deadly temperatures;
• Make it a habit to check the entire vehicle before locking it up and walking away. Place a purse, wallet, or water bottle in the back seat so you have to look back there before exiting the vehicle. You can also write yourself a note or place a belonging of the child or pet in the passenger seat to remind you that they are in the vehicle with you;
• Ask your child’s daycare or school to call if your child does not show up as expected;
• Keep your keys out of a child’s reach and make sure to teach them that in and around cars are not play areas;
• Always lock your car when you are not using it. Even if you do not have children yourself, a child could get into your vehicle;
• If you see a child or animal in a locked car immediately call 911. Every second counts and a child in distress needs to be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and begin to be cooled down.