Hot roads, hot cars

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- If you think you can leave your child or pet in the car while you quickly, say, run into the bank, think again. Medical professionals say it takes just minutes for a parked car to overheat and cause a serious health threat to whoever is left inside.

"Within minutes it can rise as much as 20 degrees and reach temperatures over 100 degrees in the car," said Sgt. Sue Lussier, Fairfield Police Department.

Quickly putting lives at risk, especially for children, pets and the elderly.

"Within minutes it can rise to a level of a serious health-related emergency or death," Sgt. Lussier said.

Leave a child unattended in a car for a few minutes and you could be charged with a misdemeanor or worse.

"In extreme heat and temperatures like today it could rise to the level of a felony arrest," said Sgt. Lussier.

Emergency responders received many heat-related emergency calls in Fairfield Thursday. Construction workers altered their work patterns to stay safe in the heat.

"We take more breaks and stay hydrated, drink a lot of fluids, Gatorade, water," said Jack Nelson, construction worker. "The guys aren't as motivated as they usually are, the heat really takes its toll, wears you right out."

As dangerous as the heat can be outside, if left inside a car it could turn deadly, and fast.

"Even leaving windows open in a car it still creates a hazard it's very dangerous to a child or someone who's elderly or has an illness," said Sgt. Lussier, "so we would not recommend it. People should be very careful and not leave children unattended in a car."