Albert B Beardsley, Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Georgetown Fire Department Warns Residents about Dangers to Pets During Hot Weather
GEORGETOWN — Fire Chief Albert Beardsley would like to advise the community about keeping their pets safe during the warm weather months, particularly when animals are inside a vehicle.
In recent weeks, the Georgetown Fire Department has responded to several automobile lockouts involving pets and children. During one incident, a dog accidentally stepped on the door lock while moving about in a running car.
Although it was only around 60 degrees that day, the situation had the potential to be harmful to the animal, as all the car’s windows were rolled up. Additionally, temperatures inside a vehicle can be up to 65 percent hotter than outside.
When the Fire Department arrived to the scene, the dog had been in the car for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once firefighters gained entry, a wave of heated air escaped from the vehicle. The dog was OK, but panting.
A recent article published by the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cited a dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101.5 to 102.2 degrees. Anything above this places a dog, just like a human, at risk.
An outside air temperature of 75 degrees can rapidly push the inside a car past 118 degrees. A dog’s brain could already be in the early stages of irreparable damage once temperatures reach between 107 and 108 degrees.
|
Temp outside |
Temp inside car |
|
75 |
118 |
|
77 |
123 |
|
81 |
138 |
|
90 |
143 |
|
94 |
145 |
“Every summer we hear news reports of children and pets being left inside a locked car while the vehicle’s operator goes in the store for ‘just a minute,'” Chief Beardsley said. “We easily and quickly lose track of time and a needless tragedy occurs. Don’t let your family become a statistic during this summer season. Take care of your pets and never leave them in a vehicle.”
Residents who choose to bring their pet with them are advised to take plenty of water for them to drink.
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