The excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service has been extended through Saturday (August 28) at 8 p.m. in the Morongo Basin. Temperatures of up to 112 degrees are expected today and tomorrow. On days like these, residents are urged to take care of not only themselves, but their pets too. Ernest Figueroa has safety tips on never leaving your dog in a hot car…
On a hot day, temperatures inside of a vehicle can quickly rise to dangerous levels. The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in minutes, regardless of whether the windows are rolled down or not. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting or sweating through their paws. A hot car doesn’t provide enough fresh air for their body temperature to stay at a safe level. Dogs can sustain brain damage or even die in as little as fifteen minutes. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, immediately call your local animal shelter or the Sheriff’s Department at 760-245-4211 or 760-366-3781. Be prepared to provide a vehicle description and license plate number.
