Summer Heat Can be Deadly for Children, Pets

The Las Cruces Police Department is warning the public about the dangers of leaving children or pets in an enclosed vehicle during the hot summer months.

So far this year, there have been 10 children who have died in hot cars in the U.S. according to the nonprofit KidsAndCars.org. In 2025, 37 children across the country lost their lives in hot cars.

Studies show the interior temperature of a vehicle can increase by 19 degrees Fahrenheit after only 10 minutes in the sun, and 45-50 degrees in about an hour. Studies indicate that “cracking” the vehicle windows, the act of leaving windows partially down, has little to no effect on keeping interior temperatures down.

Safety Recommendations:

• Never leave a child or a pet in an unattended vehicle – even with the windows down
• Place an item you can’t start the day without – like a purse or cell phone – in the backseat as a reminder that your child is in the car
• Always keep cars locked even if you don’t have children
• Teach your children that vehicles are never to be used as play areas
• Teach children to honk the horn if they get stuck inside a car
• If a child goes missing, immediately check the inside and trunk of vehicles in the area

If you see a child or pet alone inside a parked car, act fast. Call 911 immediately and check for an unlocked door. If the child or pet is in distress, remove from the vehicle and begin cooling him or her down until first responders arrive.