BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – The Texas heat is not only dangerous but also deadly. Two children — one in Corpus Christi and another in Beeville — died after they were left in hot cars this week.

Have you ever wondered how fast extreme heat can affect the human body? I recently sat in a car during a hot car demonstration with Bexar County Emergency Services District 2 to find out.

After just two minutes in the hot car, I was already sweating profusely. My heart rate jumped significantly, showing how quickly the heat can impact our bodies.

The temperature inside the car, even with a window slightly opened, was a scorching 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This demonstration highlighted the extreme danger of leaving anyone in a hot car, especially children.

According to KidsandCarSafety.org, there have been 27 child deaths due to hot cars in the country this year alone. It’s essential for families to create reminders and utilize backseat reminder features in newer vehicles to prevent such tragedies.

It’s important to educate children on what to do if they ever find themselves stuck in a hot car. Knowing how to honk the horn and activate the siren from the key fob could save lives.

The demonstration showed that even a short time in a hot car can have a significant impact on the body. As temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses and even death becomes greater.

This eye-opening experience emphasized the importance of never leaving anyone, especially vulnerable individuals like children and the elderly, in a hot car even for a few minutes. Heat-related illnesses can set in quickly and have devastating consequences.