SPOKANE, Wash. — With the possibility of record-breaking temperatures this week, parked vehicles can reach deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes. Because of that, KREM 2 reached out to the Spokane Fire Department for suggestions on how to keep yourself safe during these oppressive temperatures.
When it comes to hot temperatures, small steps can go a long way.
Here are some tips to remember for your car when the temperatures begin to rise
- Grab a sunshade or a window visor. Tossing one onto your windshield upon leaving your car is highly recommended.
- Park in shaded areas or in garages whenever possible
- Cover your seats with a towel
- Open your doors and let the car air out for a few minutes before driving away
Extreme heat is the number one weather related cause of death in the United States. Spokane Fire Department spokesman Justin De Ruyter said, “With this kind of heat, it only takes a few minutes and the car is going to be in the temperature range where it is dangerous.”
That statistic alone is enough reason to be cautious with your vehicles, especially when traveling with young children or pets.
According to the CDC, the temperature in your car can drastically rise within a matter of minutes after shutting off the vehicle. For example:
- If the temperature outside is 80 degrees, within 20 minutes the inside temperature of your car is 109 degrees
- After 40 minutes it moves up to 118 degrees
- After 60 minutes and it’s up to 123 degrees or warmer
According to AAA, a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than that of an adult. This week, with extreme heat warnings in place, the risk of vehicular heatstroke is even higher. Heatstroke can occur when a child’s body temperature reaches 104⁰F or less. Death can occur when a body temperature is around 107⁰F.
“Given the relationship that most people have with their cell phones, leave it on the back seat. That will force you to turn around and look for it and will serve as a reminder to remove children and pets from the vehicle,” AAA spokesman Matthew Conde said. “You’ll also be a more engaged driver because you won’t have the temptation to text and email while you’re behind the wheel.”
So that poses the question, what should you do if you see you someone whether it’s a child or pet inside of a locked vehicle in these temperatures?
According to Spokane Fire Department spokesman Justin De Ruyter, “If it’s a life and death thing, if the kid is unconscious or they are in distress, break the window. That would be my suggestion.”
Parents are also encouraged to:
- Make alternate arrangements for children and pets rather than leaving them in a vehicle for any length of time.
- Teach children how to unbuckle their car seat, unlock the front doors, and use the horn and emergency flashers to get help if they are accidentally left in a car.
- Keep vehicles locked at home, with keys placed out of the reach of children who may play or hide in a vehicle and become trapped.
AAA reminds drivers to keep plenty of water in their vehicles – it can be used for people and pets or to top off a radiator. Never remove a hot radiator cap – wait for it to cool for at least 15 minutes before carefully opening with a towel or rag.
WATCH: What you need to know if you come across a child or pet locked in a hot car