Las Cruces PD, Fire: Hot temperatures can kill pets and people left in cars

The Las Cruces Police and Fire Department want to remind people that people and animals left in unattended vehicles can die or be seriously injured in hot weather.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Las Cruces police and firefighters want to remind motorists that rising temperatures can kill or seriously injure people and pets left unattended in closed vehicles.

Research shows that the interior temperature of a closed vehicle can rise more than 19 degrees Fahrenheit after just 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight, 34 degrees after 30 minutes, and 45 to 50 degrees in about an hour, according to a news release press release sent by the City of Las Cruces.

Rapid increases in a vehicle's interior temperature can cause injury to people and pets, even when daytime exterior temperatures are in the 80s or 90s, according to the news release.

Studies show that leaving a vehicle window partially open, or “cracked” as it is often called, does little, if any, to lower the interior temperature. And overcast days provide shade, but little or no help in keeping a vehicle cool enough for pets or children, according to the news release.

People can be seriously injured or killed when body temperatures reach 104 degrees. A body temperature of 107 degrees is considered life-threatening, the city of Las Cruces said.

The Las Cruces Police and Fire Departments offer these safety tips:

• Do not leave animals or people (sleeping babies, children, elderly people) in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down or cracked.
• Place a purse or wallet in the back seat as a reminder that your child is in the car.
• Do not leave pets in the bed of a van, as surface temperatures can rise quickly.
• Don't be fooled by shade, breeze, windy weather or cloudy days. Hot temperatures and lack of circulation inside a closed vehicle on a hot day, even after sunset, can be deadly.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle running and unattended simply to keep the air conditioning on, for example to rush to a convenience store. The vehicle could be stolen in seconds.
• Avoid overexertion of dogs, such as walking/jogging them during the heat of the day. Remember that sidewalks and sidewalks retain heat long after the sun sets.
• If possible, bring your pets indoors during the hottest hours of the day.
• Provide adequate shade and ventilation, and plenty of fresh water every day for pets.
• Always lock your car when leaving it unattended and teach children that vehicles should never be used as play areas.
• Check with neighbors and seniors to make sure they have adequate circulation and fresh air in their homes.