ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Local emergency responders joined forces to combat a deadly summer threat as temperatures continue to rise across Central Florida.
Orange County Animal Services and Orange County Fire Rescue announced a partnership Wednesday to educate residents about the dangers of leaving children and pets in unattended vehicles, a practice that officials warn is both life-threatening and illegal.
Officials from the county held a demonstration on Wednesday highlighting the dangers of leaving children and pets in unattended cars.
“Seventy children and over 50 animals that we’ve removed from vehicles in the last 12 months,” said Lt. Kimberly Engeman with Orange County Fire Rescue.
The campaign comes as emergency calls for heat-related vehicle incidents have increased across the region. Vehicle interior temperatures can surge by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and by 40 to 50 degrees after an hour.
In 2024, 39 children died in hot car incidents across the U.S., marking a 35% increase from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Leaving pets in hot cars can be deadly, also, even for short periods or with windows cracked, according to the ASPCA. Heatstroke symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, and collapse, and certain pets like flat-faced breeds, elderly animals, and those with health issues are especially vulnerable.
“One of the main issues we have with overheating pets is that dogs and cats cannot sweat,” said Dr. Carmen-Susan Glotfelty-Ortiz, Orange County Animal Services veterinarian.