Hot Car Dangers: Video shows what happens if you leave your child or pet in a hot car
Escambia County Firefighter Officer Ray Melton talks about the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot vehicles during a demonstration in Pensacola.
Gregg Pachkowski, Pensacola News Journal
Authorities say the “sweet” and “doofy” police dog died over the weekend after being left in a police car after temperatures reached triple digits in northwest Georgia.
The dog, named Georgia and donated by a local family, was found dead on July 13th in a kennel in a vehicle. The heat index for Trenton, located about 140 miles northwest of Atlanta, was “about 100-102 degrees,” authorities said.
“Our hearts hurt from losing K-9 Georgia,” the sheriff’s office said. “She was sweet, goofy and a great bloodhound who had all the potential to be the ‘best best’. She is deeply overlooked by everyone in our office, and anyone who has had the joy of seeing her. ”
An investigation after the incident revealed that the air conditioner compressor on the patrol unit had malfunctioned and the heat alarm installed on the vehicle was not working. “Two previous factors, coupled with K-9 Georgia remaining unattended in what we consider to be an unacceptable time, contributed to her death,” the Sheriff’s Office added.
Sheriff’s spokesman Chad Payne told WTVC-TV that the aides were aware that the heat alarm was not working.
The unspecified K-9 handlers are no longer employed by the Sheriff’s Office. The case was handed over to the Dade County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether the charges would be filed, authorities said.
Children, pets and the dangers of hot cars
The interior of the vehicle traps heat like a greenhouse, so even in the 70s outside the 70s, the temperature can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and 50 degrees in an hour.
The Weather Bureau said 700 children across the country died in hot cars between 1998 and 2016, urging the service to launch an awareness campaign using the slogan “Look You Lock.” Laura Dunn, a safety expert at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said authorities saw injuries and deaths occur when temperatures outside are as low as 57 degrees.
“If it’s still in good time, the vehicle will continue to get hot over time, so it’s not something that’s particularly hot on a hot day,” Dan told USA Today. “That’s something that can happen in some kind of temperate environment.”
Dr. Cheris Ross, chief veterinarian director at the online veterinary consulting app Fuzzy, says that for short-term dogs such as bulldogs, pugs and Boston Terriers, the temperatures are mild, just like pets with heart, kidney and liver problems. She said she treated her dog for heat stroke at 70 degrees.
Experts say these types of incidents can occur to anyone, primarily when there are routine changes. The way experts have said you can prevent accidents from happening is to have a visual reminder. This can be not only remembering whether someone or pet is still in the car, but also leaving a toy in the front seat to communicate with the spouse, family, or friends of people who may be at risk.
Contributor: Jordan Mendoza, USA Today
