SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- A AAA Mid-Atlantic experiment Wednesday afternoon had three crayons and a chocolate bar sitting on a dashboard in over 100-degree heat. They don't stand a chance staying solidified.
This is comparable to how a child's body reacts to the heat. AAA Mid-Atlantic Public & Government Affairs Manager Ken Grant says a child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's and cars can heat up 20 degrees in less than 10 minutes increasing the chances of death.
"We're talking about an average of well dozens of children a year who loses their lives because of heat stroke," Grant said. "In fact, it's the leading cause of death for children 14 and under in a vehicle over crashes."
Nationwide, seven children have died this year from hot car deaths.
Rehoboth Beach fire captain Kent Swarts says they've already responded to a few calls where children were locked in cars. Luckily, no one has been hurt. He says never leave a child or a pet in an unattended vehicle.
"Just don't think it's the right thing to do when you're leaving a pet in a car especially this time of year even if the air conditioner is on," Swarts said. "If that car happens to turn off. And that's the same with a child. Absolutely never leave a child in the car without somebody in there."
It is also important to look after your pets in the heat. One way to tell if it is too hot for them is to touch pavement. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is probably uncomfortable for them as well.
Brandywine Valley SPCA Director of Operations Walt Fenstermacher says there are certain signs that show when a pet is suffering from stress or heat stroke.
"Open-mouth panting, if it becomes lethargic, if they have an excessive thirst," Fenstermacher said. "It's always recommended to try and cool those animals down by applying cool water to their bodies and then to seek veterinary care."
In an instant tragedy could strike and that time is a lot less when it comes to loved ones sitting helplessly in a hot car.