How hot is too hot to leave dog, child in car?

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Louisiana authorities are issuing a heat safety reminder to “look before you lock.”

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office (NPSO) is reminding residents to “never leave children or pets unattended” in a vehicle. “Heatstroke happens when the child’s body is unable to cool itself quickly enough, and neurologic symptoms begin. A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult.”

They state that, each year, there are preventable tragedies when children or pets are left in hot cars/. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise dramatically in minutes, even with the window cracked, posing serious risks of heatstroke or death.

“We want to remind parents, guardians, and caregivers to always check the back seat before locking their vehicle,” said NPSO Sheriff Stuart Wright. “Especially during morning routines, such as transporting children to daycare or while shopping, it’s critical to remain alert.”

NPSO provided safety tips:

• Look before you lock – always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.
• Keep vehicles locked when not in use to prevent children from climbing inside.
• Place a necessary item like a purse, phone, or briefcase in the back seat to create a habit of checking.
• If you see a child or pet alone in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.