Families warned not to let cars ‘turn into ovens’ with kids, pets inside

NEWS — The health ministry is warning families not to let family road trips turn into tragedies this summer.

Soaring heat and intense sun can turn any vehicle into an oven in the summertime, causing heat exhaustion or even death for both pets and children, the ministry says in an advisory. With temperatures rising this weekend to the mid-30s in Kamloops this weekend and getting even hotter in a few days, the risk is much greater.

“The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with the windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill your pet or child. Never leave vulnerable family members in a car. Cars can quickly become extremely hot; when the temperature outside is 27 degrees Celsius, the inside of a car can be as high as 36 degrees Celsius, and it only rises from there.”

Due to the greenhouse effect, the air in a car and upholstery heat up very quickly. This causes heatstroke in both pets and children, and they can become sick in less than 30 minutes.

Heat stroke may occur when body temperature passes 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures this high can overwhelm the brain’s temperature control, causing symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, loss of consciousness, or death.

Symptoms of heatstroke in pets include rapid, exaggerated panting, or stopping panting, rapid pulse, salivation, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, tongue and lips will turn red. The animal may collapse, go into a coma and potentially die.

“Stay heat-safe by following a few easy steps and remember to make sure your valued family members are kept safe by never leaving them in cars in the summer.”

• Always check the front and back seats of the car before you lock it and leave.

• Put your purse, briefcase, or something else you need by a child’s car seat so you don’t forget to check.

• Always lock your car when it’s empty so kids can’t get in without you knowing.

• If you see a pet in distress or any child at all locked in a car, don’t hesitate—call 9-1-1. You may save a life.