JACKSON, Wyo. — Temperatures in the valley have been well into the 80s multiple days already this spring. In preparation for a hot summer, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) reminds residents to check the backseat of the car before exiting.

In a Facebook post on Monday, WYDOT said, “A child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s. When a child is left in a vehicle, that child’s temperature can rise quickly.”

According to the graphic posted to Facebook, when the outdoor temperature is 80°F, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 99°F. After 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 114°F, and after one hour, it can reach up to 123°F.

Here are some tips from WYDOT to keep children safe during hot months:

  • Never leave a child alone in a car — not even during a quick errand.
  • Keep car doors and trunks locked so children cannot climb in on their own.
  • Create reminders. Place personal items in the backseat.
  • Take action. See a child alone in a car? Call 911.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.