MIDWAY, FL (WTXL) -- As the summer temperatures continue to rise, the dangers of leaving a child in a hot care unattended continue to grow. According to a law in Florida, leaving a child inside of an automobile is not illegal.
The law, section 316.6135, says "A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child younger than 6 years of age may not leave the child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes."
But how hot can the inside of a vehicle get in only 15 minutes? WTXL took to our parking lot Thursday afternoon and placed a thermometer in a car to find out.
Typical summer highs for north Florida peak in the lower 90s, but as we know, the inside of our cars are much hotter.
It is because of the extreme temperature within the car that make law enforcement officers recommend taking a child with you whenever you leave the vehicle.
"Even rolling the windows down is not going to help," says Quincy Police Department Captain, Robert Mixson. "Maybe they just need to stay at home. Maybe they just need to come in with you. Leaving anybody in the vehicle, especially young children is not advisable."
Within five minutes of sitting in the car, the thermometer maxed out at 120 degrees. The air inside the car continued to warm into the 15 minute mark.
Whether it's an unattended child, or even an animal, police say don't try to break the windows to help. Instead, call 911 right away.
"A phone call to the local police department or sheriff's office, to the authorities, in order to report 'Hey, there is a child in the back seat of this car. Windows are rolled up. It's not running,'" continues Mixson. "Let the law enforcement authorities make the determination and judgement, 'Hey, we need to either gain entry into the vehicle in order to care for the child.'"
Captain Mixson and many others suggest putting important personal belongings, like a phone or purse, in the backseat with young children as a way to make sure you look before leaving the car.
If you absolutely cannot take a child inside, have another adult ride with you on your errand to watch the child.
