As the days get hotter, the risk of heat stroke becomes a real concern, especially for children and pets.
In Reno, temperatures are expected to reach nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday. In that kind of heat, temperatures inside a car could reach more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit in about an hour, said Jennifer Walters with REMSA.
“The heat inside the car is insane. You have leather, plastics and things that radiate heat, it’s like an oven,” Walters said.
Children left in cars are particularly at risk.
“They are not very good at thermoregulating their body temperature and their body temperature can rise three to five times faster than adults,” Walters said.
If you see a child in a hot car, check to see if they are responsive and call 911.
Children aren’t the only ones who can be vulnerable to the heat: Pets, especially dogs, are often exposed to heat and are vulnerable, said Cully Wirth, operations manager for the Northern Nevada SPCA.
“Warm weather and hot surfaces can cause heat stroke and burned paws before your pet shows any signs of pain or discomfort,” Worth said.
On a hot summer day, the temperature of the asphalt can reach 60 degrees or more above the actual air temperature – far more than an animal’s feet can tolerate.
Cooling pads, freezing your dog’s favorite treats or even a kiddie pool with a little water in it can help keep your dog cool, she says.
If you find an animal inside a hot car, call 911 or your local animal services. It is legal to break a window to rescue a child from a hot car, but only a police officer or animal services can rescue the animal.
Photos included in this story include: Flickr Creative Commons.
