As the temperature soars in El Paso, experts are warning parents and pet owners about the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in hot cars. The "look before you lock" campaign emphasizes the need to always check the backseat before leaving a vehicle, as severe problems or even death can occur within minutes.

Heat-Related Dangers

Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses if left behind in a hot car. According to Dr. Briana Garcia, an emergency medicine doctor at The Hospitals of Providence, these individuals are least capable of unlocking themselves or lowering windows and cannot regulate their temperature as quickly as others.

Signs of heat-related distress include organ failure and death. Dr. Garcia stresses that it can take only a matter of minutes for a situation to become life-threatening. She advises parents to always take the time to park their vehicle and never leave their child unattended, even for a few minutes.

Pet Safety

Leaving pets in a hot car is also extremely dangerous and can be fatal. The El Paso Fire Department notes that the temperature inside a car can reach 119°F within 10 minutes and 134°F after 30 minutes. Lost Dog Vet in West El Paso warns that pets do not cool off like humans do and can only sweat through their paw pads, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

If you spot a dog in a car, signs of overheating include panting, drooling, and restlessness. If you see a dog in distress, do not break the window. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.