With summer getting closer, local fire departments and health experts are reminding people to never leave children or pets in cars alone.
They say it only takes a few minutes for a car to get extremely hot.
“Even for that short 10 or 15-minute run into the grocery store, don’t do it, it’s that simple,” South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joseph Knitter said.
The Western Lakes Fire District posted a graphic on social media showing how hot the inside of a car can get. “Look before you lock,” Knitter said. “Before you lock, check the backseat and don’t ever leave a loved one or your pet in the vehicle.”
Doctors say children don’t get rid of body heat like adults, so even a few minutes in the car can be very dangerous.
“It’s something that unfortunately we do see every summer,” American Family Children’s Hospital Dr. Ben Eithun said. “If you’re in a car restraint like a car seat or something like that, there’s often more contact with clothing and with the material of the seats, so they are going to get hotter faster.”