NWS: Never Leave Children, Pets Unattended in Vehicles

The National Weather Service in Wilmington is urging individuals to “look before you lock”.

Shutterstock photo.

(Wilmington, Oh.) – The National Weather Service in Wilmington is urging individuals to “look before you lock”.

According to noheatstroke.org, 38 children die from heatstroke each year by being left in an unattended vehicle, with 54 percent being forgotten by their caregiver.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day with temperatures in the 70s. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate

The National Safety Council offers a free online course about the danger of vehicular heatstroke and children, the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying and what we all can do to prevent these deaths. Kids in Hot Cars - National Safety Council (nsc.org)

The same risk exists for pets.

Animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes, and cracking the windows does not help, according to the NWS.

During hot weather, it is best to keep your pets at home.

For more information, visit Children, Pets and Vehicles (weather.gov).

More from Local News

Events

George Klopp Sr. Receives High School Diploma

The 100-year-old left high school at the age of 18 to join the U.S. Navy.

Motorcyclist Killed in Dearborn County Crash

The crash occurred near the Indiana/Ohio State Line.

Local Schools Recognized for High Literacy Rates

Over 400 schools achieved a 95 percent or higher passage rate on the 2025 IREAD.

Local Sports Report - April 24-25, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - April 23, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

EC's Perkins Sets School Record in 200 Meter Dash

The IU commit was on fire on Wednesday night.

On Air

Jason Aldean Gonna Know We Were Here 15:28
Faith Hill It Matters To Me 15:25
Earl Thomas Conley Holding Her and Loving You 15:19