Drivers with passengers should be especially cautious in the summer heat, but it is never safe to leave children or pets alone in the car, even for a few minutes.
According to kids and car safety, over one thousand children have died from heatstroke inside vehicles since 1988, and hundreds of pets die the same way every year.
If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, taking action could save their life. Call 911 right away, and the operator can help instruct you on how to care for them.
If they are unresponsive, in distress, or showing signs of heatstroke, get them out of the car by any means, and move them to a cooler environment indoors or in the shade.
Dampening their skin with cool water or wet rags can also help lower their temperature.
Stay with them until help arrives, and ask someone nearby if they can help locate the driver.
