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

GoFundMe Launched to Cover End-of-Life Expenses for Hamilton Man

Todd Payne was found deceased after being reported missing from the Brookville area.

Local ISP Trooper Named ‘Traffic Safety All-Star’

Nearly 100 members of Indiana’s public safety community were honored last Friday

Local Sports Report - September 28, 2026

Conference champions were crowned in soccer on Monday night

Boys Tennis State Tournament Begins Tuesday

See sectional pairings for local schools

Boys and Girls Sectional Pairings Announced

Several individuals are among the state's statistical leaders heading into the postseason

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Jason Aldean - Big Green Tractor

Dolly Parton Star Spangled Banner 12:01
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 11:59
Darius Rucker For the First Time 11:55
Patty Loveless If My Heart Had Windows 11:52