The heat index is a “feels like” temperature.
High heat, humidity and sunshine can allow your car to rapidly heat up. At 93 degrees, in about 15 minutes, the inside of your car can get to about 110 degrees.
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Heat inside cars can be deadly to both pets and children within a matter of minutes.
In 2016, Governor Kasich signed a law protecting good samaritans who need to smash a car window to rescue a child or pet in a hot car.
A child dies in a hot car every nine days, according to kidsandcars.org, an organization aimed at raising awareness to prevent more tragedies.
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Ways to help you prevent hot car incidents:
- Put something in the back seat so you have to open the back door when leaving the vehicle - cellphone, employee badge, handbag, left shoe, etc.
- Every time you park your vehicle, open the back door to make sure no one has been left behind. "Look Before You Lock."
- Ask your childcare provider or babysitter to call you within 10 minutes if your child hasn't arrived on time.
- Keep a stuffed animal in your child's car seat and move it to the front seat to remind you when your baby is in the back seat.
- Focus on driving and avoid cellphone calls and any other distractions while driving.
If you discover a pet or child trapped inside a hot car, call 9-1-1. If a child is in imminent danger, break a window.
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