In sweltering conditions a vehicle can act much like a greenhouse, trapping in heat and creating a potentially deadly environment for passengers.
(JULIE WHITTET / iNFOnews.ca)
May 10, 2013 - 5:32 PM
Today is expected to be one of the hottest days of the week with temperatures reaching a high of 31 degrees Celsuis. But sitting in a parked car under direct sunlight will feel a whole lot hotter.
Kelowna RCMP is reminding people that leaving children or pets inside a vehicle can have deadly consequences. Heat stroke can take effect quickly and unexpectedly in children and pets, with effects ranging from dizziness, disorientation and sluggishness to seizure, loss of consciousness and possibly death.
"Your car is basically a miniature greenhouse and temperatures can skyrocket quickly inside," says Constable Kris Clark of the Kelowna RCMP.
Police have received numerous reports in the past week from people who noticed small dogs and even children left inside a vehicle during sweltering conditions.
Children and small animals may not have the ability to call attention to their discomfort and should never be left in the car for any amount of time, regardless of windows being rolled down. If you need to make a brief stop on your commute, always take your child with you.
RCMP say the public has a duty to report these incidents. The adult responsible for the child could face criminal charges.
Police ask you call 911 should you witness a child or a pet left unattended in a vehicle.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Julie Whittet at jwhittet@infotelnews.ca or call (250)718-0428.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013