Did you know a car can be deadly even when parked? It can.
Cars are mostly made of metal. When the temperature rise outside, it will also rise higher in a parked car. If you decide to sit in a parked car on a hot day, which we don’t recommend, it won’t take long for you to start sweating. If the windows are closed, the temperature will rise even quicker. After a period of time, if you don’t turn on the air condition, you would be at risk for heat stroke or hyperthermia. Lowering the windows may help, but may not be enough if the temperatures are high.
According to the Mayo Clinic, heat stroke or hyperthermia consists of the body being 104 F (40 C) or hotter due to sustained periods of hot temperatures. Some of the symptoms include: profuse sweating, headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue. The heat has the capacity to cause damage to the body’s organs and even cause death.
It is vital for everyone to avoid hot cars, especially the most vulnerable, which are children and pets (the disabled and the elderly may also be considered). Small children and pets are not able to communicate when they are hot and can not aid themselves. According to research, 38 children die every year in the United States while locked in a hot car. A figure that can be prevented.
Here is what you can do to prevent an unnecessary death:
Don’t leave a child in a hot car unattended
Yes, you need to make a quick stop at the store or office. What you need to remember is how quickly the temperature in the car will rise. Your decision can have lasting affects. Take your child or pet with you or do your errand at another time.
Inspect your vehicle to ensure all occupants are out
When you arrive at your destination, be it a friend’s home, at the store or even at home, you need to take time and make sure no occupant is left in the car. Don’t look at the seats and assume that the car has no occupants. As a parent, you know how children can be playful. A child can hide in the car just to play without your knowledge. Take your time and make a thorough inspection.
Lock your car always
When your car is parked on the driveway, it is still a death trap. As stated earlier, children love to play hide and seek and your car makes a perfect hiding place. Make sure that your children do not have access to your car when at home, lock all doors and windows. Keep you keys away from their reach.
Call 911 immediately
This time it’s not your child in danger but a stranger has locked their child or pet in the car. Call 911 (or the emergency number in your country) immediately. If time is of the essence, you may decide to break the windows to rescue the occupant. You could be held liable, depends on where you live. You will need to make a judgement call if you can’t find the owner and death is imminent.
Video credit: ABC News | Youtube