Heat Wave: Hot Cars Kill Children And Pets

In a heat wave, hot cars can kill children and pets. Small children and pets are especially vulnerable as they have no means of escape when a vehicle becomes too hot.

So far this year, 20 children have died inside hot cars. Last year 33 children met the same fate. As reported by MSN News, only 19 states have laws preventing parents from leaving children unattended inside cars.

On average, 37 children die inside hot cars every year. Research conducted by San Francisco University suggests that 52 percent of those children were simply forgotten inside the vehicles.

As reported by Accuweather, car windows allow solar energy to enter a vehicle. The heat continues to rise, without means of escape. Meteorologist Michael Pigott explains that “the temperature inside the car can become twice that of the temperature outside.” This is a specific concern during a heat wave.

Contrary to rumors, the color of a car’s exterior does not have any effect on interior temperature. However, dark-colored interior components, including the dashboard, may absorb and radiate more heat.

Jan Null, of San Francisco University, explains that children are more at risk for a heat stroke as they “have not yet developed the ability to cool themselves off.” She further points out that children can become overheated up to four times faster than adults.

Heat stroke begins when the body reaches 104 degrees. At 107 degrees, cells die and internal organs begin to shut down.

As reported by PETA, thousands of pets die inside hot cars every year. Like children, pets have difficulty cooling down when they overheat. Dogs in particular sweat through their paws, and pant, to stay cool. However, dogs’ systems cannot keep up with excessive heat.

If a child or pet is observed locked inside a hot vehicle, authorities should be contacted immediately.

As the heat wave continues, children and pets should never be left unattended inside a vehicle.