LEONARDTOWN, Md. – As summer temperatures rise, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to remain vigilant about the severe dangers of leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.
The interior of a car can heat up to dangerous levels within minutes, even with windows cracked. Studies have shown that on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 104 degrees within 10 minutes and soar to nearly 120 degrees within half an hour. This drastic temperature increase can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and even death.
Children: Young children are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. Heatstroke can occur when a child’s internal body temperature reaches 104 degrees, potentially leading to permanent injury or death.
Pets: Dogs and cats are also at high risk. In just 15 minutes, pets can suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke. They cannot cool themselves as effectively as humans, making them more susceptible to rapid temperature increases.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips to ensure the safety of your loved ones:
- Never Leave Them Alone: Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car, even for a short time. Not even for “just a minute.”
- Create Reminders: Place a reminder, such as a stuffed animal or a personal item like a phone or purse, in the front seat to ensure you check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.
- Utilize Technology: Use apps or features available in newer vehicles that remind you to check the back seat. Many cars now come equipped with systems that alert drivers if a rear door was opened at the beginning of the trip.
- Lock Your Car: Always lock your car when you’re not using it to prevent children from entering and becoming trapped.
- Immediate Action: If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately. Stay with the vehicle until help arrives.
Preventing heat-related tragedies is a community effort. By staying informed and vigilant, we can protect our community’s most vulnerable members.
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