Some rainfall has brought a bit of relief to North Alabama – over the past few days BUT there’s a LOT of Summer left and a LOT of HOT days ahead!
Bear in mind, the interior of a car is one of the most dangerous places for young children and pets during a heat wave, but everyday items can also be dangerous.
According to experts, “Water Bottles”, pose unique risks as temperatures begin to climb – and one of the unexpected risks – is the ability for water bottles – specifically clear bottles that contain clear liquid – to start a fire Depending upon the presence of sunlight reflective qualities of the bottle and liquid can heat up nearby objects, to the point of fire ignition – much the same as a magnifying glass; ingesting liquid that’s been baking inside of a plastic water bottle in a hot car for a period of time could also impact human health.
Electronics with lithium batteries – such as a vape, an electric scooter, or a toy – could also become a hazard when left inside of a hot car. If plastic casing surrounding a battery melts – and it exposes a lithium-ion battery to direct sunlight in addition to high temperatures – there is a possibility it could explode. Other items experts caution against leaving in hot cars due to a potential for them to explode, include: aerosol cans, canned and bottled soda, and lighters.
Items commonly left in hot cars like sunscreen, medicine, and alcohol, all have the potential to spoil – while glasses and sunglasses, could melt and warp, and leaving human beings in hot cars still remains the No.1 danger – often with fatal consequences. It’s crucial to remember that leaving children or pets inside a parked car – even for a short time, is very dangerous and can be fatal. More than a dozen children, have died so far this year – after being left in cars during hot temperatures, and nearly 1,100 children have died in hot cars since 1990.
“Extreme Heat” is expected for the remainder of Summer, across much of the U.S. – according to the National Weather Service.
(KidsAndCars.org/ABC Audio)