Insurer RACQ is reminding Queenslanders about the dangers of leaving children and pets in cars, with the mercury tipped to hit 40 degrees in some areas this week.
Temperatures in many Queensland towns are forecast to exceed 30 degrees, with Longreach predicted to swelter through 40-degree temperatures for most of the week.
“There’s never a safe amount of time to leave a child or pet locked in a car,” said Clare Hunter, RACQ spokesperson. “Even with the windows down, a car can reach high temperatures in minutes, which can prove dangerous.”
Hunter said there are simple ways parents could avoid accidentally locking their child in the car, but “the most important thing is to make sure you don’t give your car keys to the child to play with or hold – this is the most common way babies are mistakenly locked in cars.”
Hunter said it was also dangerous to leave an animal in the back of a ute.
“Some owners think tying their dog on the back of a ute is safe enough on a warm day, but the reality is the tray can get very hot and will easily burn a dog’s paws,” Hunter said.
Hunter said those who find a trapped child or pet in a car may call RACQ on 13 11 11 or emergency services.
