Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows open. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the temperature inside of a car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the first 10 minutes even with a window cracked open.

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen tells people to doublecheck when they get out of their cars, “Make sure that you’re always checking the backseat when you get out of your car. We don’t want kids or pets left in the backseat when it’s hot. So, whatever you have to do, if you have to give yourself a reminder. You know, I think we talked about it last year, putting a shoe back there if you need to or if you put your purse or something back by the kids so that you always remember that they’re there and get the out of the hot car as well.”

Leaving kids in parked cars unattended are at risk for heat stroke and possibly death.