(St. John’s, NL), July 14, 2017 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) is reminding the public that leaving children or pets in unattended and hot vehicles can be dangerous, even fatal.

Since July 1, 2017, the RNC responded to at least 16 calls for service on the Northeast Avalon where dogs had been left unattended in vehicles without proper ventilation. Additionally, patrol officers have been called to at least one case where a child was left unattended in a hot vehicle.

“A study funded by General Motors of Canada found that within 20 minutes the air temperature in a previously air-conditioned small car exposed to the sun on a 35ºC day (95º F) exceeded 50ºC (122º F). Within 40 minutes the temperature soared to 65.5 ºC (150º F). Leaving a window slightly open, or “cracked,” did little to prevent the inside the vehicle from becoming dangerously hot. Extreme heat affects infants and small children more quickly and dramatically than adults because of their size. Their core temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult. Heatstroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when the body’s core temperature reaches 40.5ºC” – Source: Canada Safety Council

While leaving vehicle windows open allows for fresh air to circulate, it may not always be sufficient depending on weather conditions.  Children should never be left unattended in a vehicle under any circumstances.

Should you observe a child or a pet inside an unattended vehicle without adequate air circulation please call the police.

 

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Cst. Geoffrey G. Higdon #819
Media Relations / Social Media Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
1 Fort Townshend, St. John’s, NL, A1C-2G2
Twitter: @RNC_PoliceNL
Facebook: RoyalNewfoundlandConstabulary
709-729-8658