Essential Summer Car Safety Guidelines for Pets And Children

Summer is the ideal opportunity for traveling, going on outings with friends and family, and spending more time outdoors, but it does also come with risks. Warm temperatures can quickly become dangerous, especially within a parked car. Even if it doesn’t feel excessively hot outside, the inside of a parked vehicle can spike to deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes. 

Understanding the risks and taking simple precautions can help protect young children and pets from entirely preventable heat-related emergencies.

Many people underestimate how dangerous a parked vehicle can become. On an 80°F day, the temperature inside a car can exceed 100°F in about 20 minutes. When outside temperatures reach 90°F or higher, the interior can climb well above 130°F. Many residents assume that if they crack a window or park in the shade that it will prevent the temperatures in the car from spiking; unfortunately, these precautions are ineffective.

Greenhouse-like conditions inside the vehicle trap heat, causing temperatures to rise rapidly regardless of ventilation. That’s why the Mehlville Fire Protection District strongly advises our residents to never leave their children or pets unattended in a parked car—even for a quick stop.

The temperature inside a vehicle spikes faster than most people expect.

In the first 10 minutes of being exposed to warm weather, the interior temperature can increase by approximately 20 degrees. Within 30 minutes, it may be 35 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside air. Plus, dashboard surfaces, seats, and seat belts often become even hotter, significantly increasing the risk of contact burns.

Heatstroke is a preventable condition, but it is unfortunately one of the leading causes of vehicle-related deaths among young children. Protect yourself and the children in your community by following these simple precautionary steps:

• Never leave a child alone in a parked vehicle, even for a minute.
• Always check the back seat before locking your car.
• Place a purse, phone, or work badge in the back seat as a reminder.
• Ask childcare providers to contact you immediately if your child doesn’t arrive as expected.
• Lock your vehicle when parked to prevent children from climbing inside while playing.

Establishing a routine can help to significantly reduce the risk of a child being unintentionally exposed to extreme heat.

If you see a child alone in a parked vehicle, it is crucial that passersby act immediately. Here is what you should do if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Assess the child’s condition—if they appear unresponsive, distressed, or show signs of overheating, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide guidance while help is on the way.
2. Stay with the vehicle until first responders arrive. 
3. Try to locate the driver by asking nearby businesses to make an announcement, but never delay calling emergency services if the child appears to be in danger.

Since both pets and children can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively as a grown adult, pets are equally susceptible to heat stroke. 

To keep your pets safe during the summer:

• Leave pets at home when running errands.
• Always provide fresh water during outdoor activities.
• Walk dogs during the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Avoid hot pavement that can burn paw pads.
• Watch closely for signs of overheating.
• Plan pet-friendly stops with shade and water during road trips.

The safest place for your pet during a quick errand is at home—not inside a parked vehicle.

The answer is simple: there is no safe amount of time. When exposed to extreme heat, dogs of all sizes can suffer irreversible organ damage, heatstroke, or death before an owner returns from a quick stop. It is often in the best interest of you and your pet to leave them safely at home when you are running errands.

Recognizing the signs of heatstroke can help save your pet’s life.

Common symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:

• Excessive panting
• Heavy drooling
• Bright red or pale gums
• Weakness or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Difficulty walking
• Confusion or disorientation
• Collapse or seizures

If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, move them to a cool, shaded area, offer them small amounts of cool water, and seek emergency veterinary care without delay once they have stabilized enough to be moved.

As with a child, you will first want to assess their condition and check for any signs of distress. If the dog appears to be in danger, you can contact local law enforcement or your local animal control agency. Stay near the vehicle while you’re waiting for assistance to arrive.

Summer should be a season of fun—help us keep it that way by understanding how quickly vehicles heat up and taking simple precautions. The Mehlville Fire Protection District encourages everyone to practice safe summer habits, remain aware of the dangers of parked vehicles, and never leave children or pets unattended in a car. A few extra moments of awareness can make all the difference and help ensure everyone enjoys a safe, healthy summer.

Contact us to learn more about how to keep your children and fur-babies safe this summer.

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