With temperatures expected to reach 30 C across the Peace Region Wednesday, Dawson Creek RCMP are reminding residents about the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles.
Police say the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly, becoming as much as 20 degrees warmer than the temperature outside within minutes.
Even on an overcast day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to 54 C, creating potentially life-threatening conditions.
According to police, children and animals are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are less effective at regulating temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness and other serious health effects.
Officers are encouraging residents to take simple precautions to keep loved ones safe during hot weather.
Those measures include never leaving children or pets in a vehicle even for a short time.
Residents are being reminded to check the back seat before locking a vehicle and considering dog-friendly destinations or pet-sitting options when running errands.
Police are also urging members of the public to act if they see a child or animal left alone in a hot vehicle.
“If residents see children or pets alone in a hot car, they should call 911 immediately,” police said.
With files from Luke Simard CTVNews