A study conducted by General Motors Canada found that within 20 minutes, the temperature of a previously air-conditioned small car exposed to the sun on a 35C day exceeded 50C and within 40 minutes reached 65.5C.
Leaving windows slightly cracked is not sufficient to prevent the interior of the vehicle from overheating.
Experts say it’s important to remember that small children are affected more severely by heat due to their size. Their core temperatures can increase three-five times faster than those of fully-grown adults.
Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when the core temperature reaches 40.5C.
Since July 1, the RNC has responded to at least 16 incidences on the Northeast Avalon of dogs left in cars without proper ventilation and at least one incident of a child left unattended in a hot vehicle.
Leaving the windows of a vehicle open will allow the air to circulate, but this may not be adequate depending on weather conditions.
Under no circumstances should children be left unattended in a vehicle.
Please call the police if you observe a child or pet inside an unattended vehicle without adequate air circulation.
— Sadie-Rae Werner
Special to The Telegram
