As the summer heat ramps up over the coming days, the interior of your vehicle can feel like a blazing furnace. To avoid potential hazards, here are some items you should steer clear of leaving in your car during these scorching days.
The list is as follows, according to the Moose Jaw Fire Department's Public Education Officer, Damandeep Sangha:
- Lighters
- Aerosol products
- Fragrance products
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Batteries
- Electronics
- Medication
- Plastic water bottles
- Children / Pets
When it comes to lighters, aerosol, fragrance, and sanitizing products, they can cause the most immediate danger in the vehicle with hot weather.
"Lighters are highly flammable and contain pressurized fuel, so that can expand with heat. There is always a warning on the aerosol products; heat increases internal pressure, and a sudden temperature rise can make them explode. Fragrance bottles have alcohol, so it evaporates easily in heat," stated Sangha.
Batteries and electronics are another pair of products that can cause physical damage.
"Lithium ion batteries in smartphones, tablets, or power banks are particularly heat sensitive, so those can overheat, leak, or even catch a fire."
As for sunscreen and medications, the heat will not only cause loss of effectiveness. also specifically for medicine, it can melt and have unwanted health risks.
Leaving plastic water bottles in a hot car can cause harmful chemicals to leach into the water and degrade its quality. It's best to store them in a cool, shaded place to avoid these risks.
"Clear plastic bottle can also act like a magnifying glass. So that also can be ignited fire, which is a surprising thing," added Sangha.
And finally, the most important thing not to leave in your car during hot days is children or pets.
"Children's bodies heat up faster than adults', so they can get very sick very quickly. So don't leave them in the car."
Leaving a child or pet in a hot car can lead to serious legal consequences, including charges of child abandonment or animal cruelty. Penalties can range from fines to potential jail time, depending on the severity of the situation.