The OPP Community Services Unit is sharing tips on how to stay safe in the summer heat.
One of the unit’s top pieces of advice is to never leave children or pets inside a car for even a short time, even in mild weather.
“Your car can become an ‘oven’ in less than 15 minutes causing serious bodily harm or death to a child or animal inside,” says OPP sergeant Dave Rektor. “Always lock your car and warn children never to play inside it unattended.”
Police suggest installing “lock-release” mechanisms inside the trunk to enable a child to get out safely if accidentally locked inside.
“If you can’t take your child or pet with you when you leave the vehicle, don’t bring them and make other safe arrangements for them,” said Rektor.
In Guelph, city police say they have started to receive calls from the public about dogs being left in cars on hot days. In fact, Guelph Police say in the past six weeks there have been seven incidents where police have been called.
Police suggest anyone who sees a dog left in a car should contact the police or the Humane Society to ensure the animal’s wellbeing can be checked and the owner dealt with.
Vehicle safety
Police are also offering other tips to deal with the hot weather, including some that apply to vehicles and recreation.
“Make sure your vehicle is serviced and ready for the hot weather conditions preventing unwanted break-downs while driving. Make sure your air conditioning is checked and working well,” said Rektor.
Police also suggest keeping plenty of non-alcoholic fluids like bottled water in the vehicle to prevent dehydration if caught in traffic or stranded on the roadside.
“Always stay inside your vehicle if stranded and call for help using a cell phone or call-police sign. The safest place to be is inside your car,” said Rektor.
Recreation
Police say people should always ensure they drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated during hot weather – and wear a hat and sunscreen.
“Never let children or non-swimmers be at or near water without supervision and/or a life jacket or personal flotation device,” said Rektor.
