Warning on car heat dangers

The Tasmania Fire Service has reminded parents, babysitters and pet owners to look after their little ones and keep them out of hot cars this summer.

District officer Steven Richardson said that even if you are just popping into the shop, a child should never be left in the car alone.

‘‘On hot day, dogs and small children can suffer or die in a vehicle,’’ Mr Richardson said.

‘‘It can be in the low 30s outside but with windows up in a car, and especially for animals or small children who can’t take a drink, the temperature can escalate to be more than double.’’

Mr Richardson said that although he would advise not to keep children or pets in cars for too long, there were ways to keep them more comfortable in the hot weather.

‘‘If you absolutely have to leave a dog in the car, make sure the windows are down, that you’re parked in the shade, put a small bowl of water there and limit how long they’re there for,’’ he said.

‘‘But people shouldn’t be leaving children unsupervised in vehicles at all, even if you’re just jumping out of the car to get the paper.

‘‘We know it’s a hassle for people to get their children out of the car but there are a whole range of things that can go wrong.’’