Pennsylvania officials warn of dangers of hot cars for children, pets as temperatures rise

As the temperatures creep back into the 90s, the state Department of Health reminded people to never leave children, older adults, or pets in a hot vehicle.

Infants, young children, people 65 years of age or older, people with chronic medical conditions, and people who work outdoors are at a particularly high risk of facing heat-related health concerns.

“The combination of heat and humidity can be deadly for people who are not able to keep themselves cool,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Exposure to high temperatures for long periods of time can cause heat exhaustion or heat strokes. We ask all Pennsylvanians to be a good neighbor and check on those who may have limited mobility or may not have a way to escape the heat.”

Health officials urged people to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when going outdoors.

Outdoor exercise should be limited during extreme heat, with early morning and later evening considered optimal times for an outdoor workout.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are among the heat-related illnesses people should be aware of this summer.

Heat stroke symptoms include “high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red, hot, and dry skin, without sweating, a rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness,” according to health officials.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting, the Department of Health said.

In the event of heat exhaustion, health experts encourage people to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or last more than an hour, or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

The Health Department also urged people to continue abiding by covid-19 guidelines, noting that a face shield is an acceptable alternative to a face mask, if face masks prove difficult to wear in the heat.

For more information on how to cope with extreme heat, visit the Health Department’s website.