For the majority of July, the mercury has stayed near normal high temperatures in Washington County and southeast Iowa but those temperatures still pose a risk to children and pets in cars.
The average high temperature for July 24th in Washington is 87 degrees. Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen reminds listeners that even without a substantial heat wave, summer temperatures still make vehicles dangerous. ” Even if the windows are cracked, even if it’s only 70 degrees outside, it’s still a really, little kids and pets can die because the car gets so hot so fast.”
Reisen said some tips to remind yourself to always check the backseat include, phone apps, or taking off a shoe and putting it in the backseat. In 2017, 42 children died due to pediatric vehicular heat stroke according to the National Safety Council.If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.