Emergency Management Experts at NHTSA remind us that children become dehydrated more quickly than adults and are at higher risk of heat-related deaths and other dangers.
It is extremely dangerous to leave children (or pets!) alone in a parked car in warm or hot weather “even for a few minutes.” When it is 80 degrees outside, it can get up to 114 degrees inside your car in just 30 minutes!
The temperature inside your car can quickly become deadly — help prevent heat-related deaths by looking around carefully every time, BEFORE you lock your car and walk away from it! This simple step can save lives.
Remember: “Look Before You Lock”
Safety is #1: Always carry a First Aid Kit in your car for safety and peace of mind!
Prevent Heat Related Emergencies by Knowing the Symptoms
- Heat cramps: Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
- Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fainting. If not treated, the victim’s condition will worsen.
- Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working.
The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Symptoms include body temperature above 103°F, hot dry red skin, rapid strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness.
