Officials warn of the danger of hot cars to children and pets

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the summer months heat up, officials are reminding parents that the heat inside their car can lead to deadly situations. 

According to the National Safety Council, last year alone, 29 children died nationwide from heatstroke after being left in hot vehicles.  

One study found that after just one hour, the temperature inside of a car on a hot day reached an average of 116 °F. 

Lieutenant Greg Willett of the Wilmington Police Department said parents should remain vigilant, slow down, ad use precaution during the summer months. 

“A lot of times what happens is people get into a routine, that’s human nature to get into a routine, and when that routine breaks is usually when something tragic like that happens,” he said. 

Willett added that drivers should use the same precaution when pets are in the car. He said if you see a child in a hot car alone, immediately call 911.