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Parents told not to leave kids in hot cars

With temperatures expected to reach a scorching 46 degrees in some parts of Australia, parents are being urged not to leave kids in locked cars.

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Source: AAP


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As Australians swelter during the current heatwave, parents are being reminded about the danger of leaving children in locked cars.

The NRMA rescued almost 2200 babies locked in cars last year, and say parents should never leave their kids unattended in vehicles.

Temperatures inside a parked car can rise to 30-40C above the outside temperature.

Adelaide is expected to reach 46C on Thursday, while Melbourne is facing its longest run of 40C days since 1908.

In some parts of Sydney it is expected to reach 40C.

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"A child left in a parked car under those conditions can very quickly become distressed, dehydrated and can die from organ failure," NRMA Motoring & Services Roadside manager Tim Moggridge said on Thursday.

People who leave children unattended in a locked car face fines of up to $22,000.

On Tuesday police in Sydney were called to a vehicle at about 10pm (AEDT) to find a nine-month-old baby boy in the back seat, who they removed after forcing entry.

A 31-year-old woman is likely to be charged for leaving her son in the car while she did chores in a nearby unit.

"A child should not be left in a car for any reason, even while paying for fuel," Mr Moggridge said in a statement.

Motorists who see a child locked in a car should call Triple 0.

"If the child is distressed, do not wait for help, instead, smash a window and remove the child from the vehicle."


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