As temperatures climb during the summer months, the Trainer Borough Police Department is urging all residents to stay alert to a silent but deadly danger — leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle. Even a quick stop can turn tragic.

The Hidden Danger

A parked car can become a furnace within minutes. On an 80°F day, the interior temperature of a car can hit 100°F in just 10 minutes — and it keeps rising. Heatstroke sets in quickly, especially in children and animals whose bodies cannot regulate heat as efficiently.

Key Facts:

• In just 10 minutes, car temperatures can rise 20°F or more.
• A child’s body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.
• Cracking a window does not prevent heat buildup.

• Heatstroke can be fatal in less than 15 minutes.

Children: One Forgotten Moment Can Be Fatal

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heatstroke is the #1 cause of non-crash vehicle-related deaths for children. It’s easy to think “just a minute” won’t hurt — but it can.

Simple Steps to Prevent a Tragedy:

• Look before you lock — Always check the back seat before leaving your car.
• Use a reminder — Place a toy, diaper bag, or your phone in the back seat so you’re forced to check.
• Never assume someone else removed the child — Always confirm.

• Talk to caregivers — Make sure daycare staff call if your child doesn’t arrive as expected.

Pets: They Feel the Heat Too

Animals can suffer from heat exhaustion just as quickly as children. Dogs and cats can't sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool down — which is ineffective in stifling car heat.

Tips to Keep Pets Safe:

• Never leave a pet alone in a car.
• Leave them home if you can’t take them inside your destination.

• Know the signs of heatstroke — excessive panting, drooling, confusion, or collapse.

Let’s Look Out for One Another

It only takes a moment to double-check, and it can save a life. No errand is worth the risk. Share this message. Talk about it. Help us make Trainer Borough a safer place for everyone this summer.

If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car, call 911 immediately. 

Stay alert. Stay responsible. Stay safe.