Pensacola Times

As Escambia County prepares for the warm Summer months, Escambia County Fire Rescue encourages residents to actively practice hot vehicle safety to ensure the well-being of youth, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and pets.

According to the National Safety Council, 29 children passed away from heat-related injuries due to being left in a hot car in 2022. Three of those deaths occurred in Florida. Additionally, 53% of hot car deaths happen because someone forgets another person is in the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"As we see warm temperatures arrive in Escambia County, ECFR would like to remind our citizens to always look before you lock," said Fire and Life Safety Specialist Ray Melton. "If the outside temperatures are in the 80s, the heat inside a car can rise to 99 degrees or more in 10 minutes and 109 degrees or more in just 20 minutes. To help remind you that your child is in the car, ECFR reminds parents and caregivers to place a child's toy in the front seat to remind you to check for your children."

Learn more about how cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun and receive additional hot weather safety tips here.

Escambia County Fire Rescue proudly operates as a combination fire service, utilizing the talents and diversities of volunteer and career firefighting personnel. Career personnel operate in 14 stations throughout the county. 13 stations work a 24/48-hour shift, and two stations work Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteer firefighters operate out of numerous stations throughout Escambia County. Escambia County Fire Rescue also provides other emergency services such as hazardous materials response, special operations and ALS non-transport. Learn more about how to join Escambia County Fire Rescue. Follow Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook.

Original source can be found here.