Get These Items Out of Your Car Immediately Because of the Texas Heat

Those 100-degree-plus days have made their way to East Texas. We know how the heat feels during these days, yet we still have 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, some other things should never be left in your car in Texas either because they could be ruined or turn downright dangerous in this heat.

People and Pets

This goes without saying but never, EVER, leave a person, a child, or a pet in a parked car with the windows up without the air conditioning going. Just as an example, on a mild summer day with a temperature of 85 degrees, within 30 minutes of sitting in the sun, the internal temperature can get to around 119 degrees. That's hot and very dangerous. On a 100-degree day, the internal temperature of your vehicle can reach 134 degrees in that same 30-minute window.

The heat is no joke in East Texas. But despite all the warnings and all the facts that are handed out, we still hear of the tragic death of a child or adult who is killed because they were left in a hot car.

As we do on a weekend, we will get out of the house and run some errands. That can be to do some shopping or get some supplies for yard work or need to fill the mower up to get the grass cut. All three of those examples could turn into an annoying or dangerous incident. For example, DO NOT leave any electronics in your vehicle. The heat can destroy the components inside making the device inoperable. DO NOT leave cleaning supplies or chemicals in your car as those could ignite. People do this so we have to say it, do not leave a gas can in your car as the high heat could ignite the gas.

East Texas Heat

The East Texas heat does not play around. If you have to be outside for any extended period of time, have water on hand to keep yourself hydrated. The water doesn't have to be cold, either. Be sure to take frequent breaks either inside in the air conditioning or in the shade. Wear long sleeves and pants, but make sure they are loose-fitting, to protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen when swimming and reapply it regularly to protect your skin.

But most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE A PET, A CHILD, OR ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IN A HOT CAR, that heat could easily kill any of them.

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EDIT: This was originally published June 28, 2024