Orange County Agencies Remind Residents About Hot Car Dangers

Orange County Agencies Remind Residents About Hot Car Dangers

Orange County, FL - Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) and Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) are partnering this summer to remind residents that leaving children or pets in unattended vehicles is both dangerous and illegal.

As we reach the peak of summer, both agencies have responded to emergency calls involving children and animals left inside hot vehicles. Interior temperatures can rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes. After an hour, temperatures can increase by 40 to 50 degrees, creating life-threatening conditions.

To raise public awareness, OCAS and OCFR will host a live demonstration for media members. The event will highlight:

• How vehicle temperatures are measured
• Techniques used by responders to gain access to locked vehicles
• Medical risks associated with heat exposure
• How first responders treat both children and pets in these emergencies
• Legal consequences for leaving pets or children in unattended vehicles

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 8:45 a.m.

WHERE:
Orange County Animal Services, 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839

PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:
A live visual demonstration showing how temperatures are checked inside a hot car.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• Carmen-Susan Glotfelty-Ortiz, Veterinarian, Orange County Animal Services
• Daniel McCracken, Senior Road Officer, Orange County Animal Services
• Lt. Kimberly Engeman, Orange County EMS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Please RSVP to Zachary.downes@ocfl.net by Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 4 p.m.
• Informational Flyer