Kamloops Mounties are reminding people to not leave their kids in parked vehicles with temperatures poised to break the 40 C mark this weekend.

In a statement, RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn says a vehicle is basically a miniature greenhouse where temperatures can skyrocket extremely quickly inside. She says on an average summer day, the temperature inside a parked car can surpass 38 C in minutes.”

“If it gets that hot inside a vehicle on an average summer day, image what it must feel like when the forecast calls for temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s,” Evelyn said. “Temperatures that high are extremely dangerous and parking in the shade or cracking the window is just not going to cut it; it’s not worth the risk.”

Experts say a heat stroke can occur very quickly and unexpectedly in children, causing symptoms such as dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, loss of consciousness, and or death.

Evelyn says people are being told to plan their trips accordingly and to leave their kids – and pets – at home if they need to make a “quick stop” while on the road. As for penalties when kids are left in hot vehicles, Evelyn says it will depend on the situation.

“Sometimes its a discussion with MCFD that might be had,” she told NL News. “Other times it might be a harmless incident as people might not have thought of the consequences. That’s why we have to look at it and figure out all of the angles.”

Anyone who sees a child in distress in a vehicle is asked to call 911. If you see a pet in a hot vehicle, you’re asked to call the BC SPCA at 1-855-622-7722.

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)