Summer is officially here now, which means everyone will be doing their best to stay out of the heat. During this time of the year, it is extra important to remember that no child or pet should be left in a car under any circumstances. Leaving someone in a car on a warm day can put them in great danger.
If it is extremely hot outside, it will be worse inside a locked car. Cars heat up rapidly in the summer heat. Even if it is only 85 degrees outside, the interior of a car can heat up to 100 in less than 10 minutes. This can get even worse if the outside temperature is over 100 degrees. At higher temps, the inside of the car can reach 140 degrees in as little as 15 minutes.
This is why children and animals should not be left in a parked car during the summer months. They can easily suffer heatstroke and could possibly die because of it. That is something no one wants to face just because they had to run into the store for a minute.
It is also important to remember that it is illegal in California to leave a child or pet unattended in a car when it endangers the child or animal. In some instances, it is perfectly legal for a bystander to do what is necessary to get the child or pet out of the vehicle to safety.
This summer, remember to consider your child or pet when you need to run errands. You should take your kid with you into the store, even if it is only for a few minutes, and maybe it is best for you to leave your pet at home. This way, nobody is left in an inhospitable environment and everybody stays happy and safe.