New York officials are warning residents not to leave children or pets in parked vehicles as dangerous heat continues across the state.
The state Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection said Tuesday that closed vehicles can quickly become life-threatening, even when outdoor temperatures do not feel extreme.
At 60 degrees outside, a closed car can reach 105 degrees after one hour, according to the consumer alert. Officials said heatstroke and death can occur when an adult unintentionally forgets a quiet or sleeping child or pet in a vehicle, or when children gain unsupervised access to a parked car and become trapped inside.
"Extreme heat demands extra vigilance from every New Yorker," Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said in the alert. "A parked car can quickly become life threating even when it doesn't feel excessively hot outside."
The state said at least 1,172 children nationwide have died from pediatric vehicular heatstroke since 1990, including 14 in New York. The alert also cited People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which reported that 151 animals died from heat-related causes in 2025 and another 365 were rescued from heat.
Officials urged people to never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle in warm weather or direct sunlight, even with windows cracked. Anyone who sees an unattended child or pet in a car on a warm or sunny day, or one that appears distressed, should call 911 immediately.
The Division of Consumer Protection also urged adults to place needed items, such as keys, a purse or phone, near a child's car seat as a reminder to check the back seat before locking a vehicle. Parents and caregivers should teach children not to play in or around vehicles and to alert an adult if another child is inside a vehicle without supervision.
Officials said symptoms of heatstroke in children can include confusion, disorientation, flushed skin, lack of sweating, loss of alertness, unconsciousness and rapid or shallow breathing. In pets, symptoms can include restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite or coordination.
Anyone found responsible for leaving a child or pet alone in a hot car could face criminal charges, according to the state.
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