Experts issue hot car warning after 2200 children rescued in 12 months
Shocking new figures show more than NSW 2200 babies were rescued from hot cars in the past year alone.
According to the NRMA data, that’s an average of six babies a day, while a further 1500 pets were also rescued from sweltering cars.
The shock figures have experts worried heading into this summer.
“A five-minute run into a shop to get milk could turn into 10 to 15 minutes and could be critical,” NRMA’s Robert Younes said.
“75 per cent of the temperature increases happens in the first five minutes.”
The warning comes just weeks after a toddler was rescued from a locked car at Five Dock.
The experts warn temperatures inside a car can almost double the temperature outside, but it can be worse if all windows are shut.
“Cracking the window still creates heat in the vehicle and traps heat inside of the car,” Mr Younes said.
Health officials say it only takes a few minutes for dehydration to become fatal, and while not all children and pets are intentionally locked in the car, even an accident can result in death.
“It is important that you stay calm if you do accidentally lock your baby in the car,” Mr Younes said.
The NRMA is also warning parents and pet owners not to leave their cars running for the airconditioner when out of the vehicle as there is a risk someone could steal the car.
