Those 100-degree days have made their way to East Texas. We know what the heat feels like on those days, but we still need to remind everyone of the dangers of summer heat.

I’m going to write about the obvious – no people or pets in your car. But there are also other things you should never leave in your car in Texas because they could get ruined or downright dangerous in this heat.

People and pets

This goes without saying, but NEVER leave a person, child, or pet in a parked car with the windows closed without the air conditioning running. Just as an example, on a mild summer day with a temperature of 30 degrees, the interior temperature can rise to about 48 degrees within 30 minutes of being in the sun. That’s hot and very dangerous. On a 38 degree day, the interior temperature of your vehicle can reach 56 degrees within the same 30 minute period.

The heat in East Texas is no joke. Yet despite all the warnings and all the facts being spread, we still hear of tragic deaths of children or adults who die because they were left in a hot car.

Like on the weekend, we go out of the house and run a few errands. It could be grocery shopping, gardening supplies, or filling up the lawn mower. All three examples can become an annoying or dangerous incident. For example, DO NOT leave electronic devices in your car. The heat can destroy the components inside and render the device inoperable. DO NOT leave cleaning products or chemicals in your car as they could ignite. People do this, so we have to tell you: Do not leave a gas can in your car as the high heat could ignite the gasoline.

Heat in East Texas

The heat in East Texas is no joke. If you must be outside for long periods of time, have water on hand to stay hydrated. The water doesn’t have to be cold, either. Take frequent breaks, either inside in the air conditioning or in the shade. Wear long sleeves and pants, but make sure they’re loose-fitting to protect your skin from the sun. When swimming, wear sunscreen and reapply it frequently to protect your skin.

But most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE A PET, CHILD OR OTHER PERSON IN A HOT CARthis heat could easily kill any of them.

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EDIT: This was originally published on June 28, 2024