Keep your pet safe from the heat: Illinois Fire Marshal offers tips

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Hundreds of people die from the heat each year in the United States, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is working to make sure another vulnerable group isn’t forgotten about.

Young children, older adults, those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people may have a high risk of heat-related illness, but pets are also very susceptible to heat, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office.

It’s important to remember to never leave anyone locked in a car — especially during extreme temperatures — but the Fire Marshal’s Office said there are a couple more things to keep in mind to help your furry friends stay cool:

• Watch the humidity each day
• Limit their exercise on hot days
• Provide lots of shade and water
• Don’t rely on a fan to cool your pet down
• Watch out for hot pavement

Pets that are locked inside cars could become seriously injured or die in just 10 minutes. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your pets during extreme heat, visit the National Weather Service’s website.