Between December 1, 2017 and December 1, 2018, RACT Roadside patrols received callouts to 100 children, 128 pets, and 14 adults locked in vehicles.

This was a significant rise from 2015-2016, where 60 children and 37 pets were rescued.

RACT community manager Will Oakley said the temperature inside a parked car on a summer day could be between 30 to 40 degrees hotter than outside.

“And it doesn’t even have to be a particularly hot day – even at 20 degrees the interior of a vehicle could rise up to 60 degrees.”

Mr Oakley said as temperatures inside a car increase, children or pets locked inside could develop heat stress and start to dehydrate.

“In addition, young children are more sensitive to heat than older children or adults, meaning they can be at greater risk of heat stroke and other health risks,” he said.

“It is a pretty simple message – if you have to leave the vehicle, take your children and pets with you.

“Motorists should ask themselves if they need to take their pets on journeys, especially where they may have to leave the animal in the vehicle even for a short time.”

Mr Oakley said RACT would prioritise callouts to children, pets, and adults locked in cars.

You don’t have to be an RACT member to receive the service. 

“We just want to make sure everyone is safe,” he said.

Mr Oakley said if a member of the public noticed a child locked in a vehicle and the owner was unknown to them, Tasmania Police should be advised immediately by telephoning Triple-0.

In relation to animals, police should be called on 13 14 44.

The RACT said some other facts to consider were: