MSP warns of hot car and heatstroke dangers

With warm weather here to stay, Michigan State Police want to remind drivers that heatstroke can happen quickly and just minutes in a hot car can be deadly for children.

Heatstroke occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit and their thermoregulatory mechanism is overwhelmed.

Symptoms include: dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations.

A core body temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit or greater can be lethal as cells are damaged and internal organs begin to shut down.

If you are suffering from symptoms of heat exposure, immediately get to a cool place and drink water to bring down body temperature

.

Children's thermoregulatory systems are not as efficient as adults and their body temperatures warm at a rate 3 to 5 times faster. Never leave a child in a vehicle, the results can be devastating.

This is what happens in your car over an hours’ time…

Temperature Outside Temperature Inside Time Elapsed

80 outside 80 inside 00 minutes

80 outside 99 inside 10 minutes

80 outside 109 inside 20 minutes

80 outside 114 inside 30 minutes

80 outside 118 inside 40 minutes

80 outside 120 inside 50 minutes

80 outside 123 inside 60 minutes

Last year there were 42 children who died of heat stroke after being left in a hot car.

It is against the law to leave a child unattended in a vehicle under an circumstances that pose unreasonable risk of harm or injury.

State Police are urging adults to to "look before you leave" whenever you get out of the car with a child or infant passenger.