After the death of a three-month-old girl in Butler County last weekend, health and advocacy groups are calling attention to the dangers of hot cars during the summer months.
The group Kids and Cars said at least nine children have died this year after being left inside hot cars in the United States. More than 800 children have died since 1990. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said animals, children and senior citizens are the most susceptible to the heat, and since last year there have been 64 animal deaths related to hot weather.
Lisa Lange, PETA’s senior vice president of communications, said children and pets can die of heatstroke even in the short time it takes to run an errand, and even if the car is parked in the shade. When outside temperatures reach 75 to 95 degrees, temperatures inside a car parked in direct sunlight can reach 130 to 170 degrees.
Lange said anyone who sees a child or a pet left alone in a vehicle should call 911 or humane authorities, and they should stay on the scene until officials arrive. If a child or pet appears to be in imminent danger, she urges people to quickly find witnesses who will agree to the seriousness of the situation, and then take steps to remove the child or animal from the car.
