AAA Reminds Oklahomans To Not Leave Children Or Pets in Hot Cars

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's that time of the year when temperatures begin to rise in Oklahoma. So, AAA reminds parents, caregivers and pet owners of the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars.

According to San Francisco State University, the inside temperature of a car can rise 19 degrees in just ten minutes. On a summer day in Oklahoma, the inside temperature of a car can reach more than 100 degrees in just a short time. Heatstroke can occur in an adult when the temperature reaches 104 degrees and death can occur at 107 degrees; for a child, it is less.

Children can not only be injured by being left in a hot car, but can also be injured by being trapped in a hot car. A car can be an inviting place for a child to play; it is imperative to make sure your car is locked when not in use.

Pet owners should also realize the danger of leaving their pet in a hot car. Cracking a window or parking your car in the shade is not enough. Before traveling with your pet, think about where you are going and if you will be making any stops. You may want to leave your pet at home.

Here are some safety tips from AAA to keep in mind as you travel this summer:

• Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a minute, and even if the windows are tinted or down. The same recommendations apply to pets and the elderly.
• Never leave car keys where children have access to them.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed at all times, even when the vehicle is in the garage or on a driveway.
• Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination.
• Be certain no one is inadvertently left behind.
• When you first place a child in a car seat in the back seat of the car, also open the glove compartment door, flip down the passenger side visor or put a purse in the back seat. These actions can serve as visual reminders that a child is in the back seat.
• If you see a child alone in a locked, parked car, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.