12 things you shouldn't leave in your car in the hot Georgia summer
Georgians can expect another hot summer, and extreme heat isn't just bad for you and your family, it's bad for your belongings.
Temperatures inside of your vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and cracking the windows makes no difference. So, here are some things to keep in mind:
Most of Georgia can expect temperatures one or two degrees higher than the historic average, according to AccuWeather's seasonal forecast last month. The Atlanta area alone was projected to have 45 days minimum of 90 degree or warmer weather.
There are quite a few things you shouldn't leave in a hot car, according to Geico and Capital Insurance Group:
Food and beverages: Certain beverages can cause a mess in your car. For example, a wine cork can easily slip out or a soda can may explode in hot temperatures. Bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses double every 20 minutes even at room temperature, according to the FDA. Don't leave groceries or leftovers in a warm car for more than two hours – or only one hour when it's over 90 degrees.
Aerosol cans: Pressurized cans are highly sensitive outside of the recommended storage temperature. The contents can expand which may cause the can to crack or explode.
Sunscreen: When sunscreen is left in high temperatures for too long, this can shorten its shelf life, according to the CDC.
Lighters: The flammable fuel inside of a lighter can expand, breach the lighter casing when exposed to high heat and create a fire hazard.
Plastic bottles: Besides a clear plastic bottle potentially magnifying the sun's rays, there is also a risk from bisphenol A or BPA. According to the National Library of Medicine, there's an increased release of BPA from plastics at higher temperatures.
Batteries: Leaving batteries in high temperatures can lead to a loss of capacity but also cause a leakage or rupture. Battery acid is dangerous when inhaled and highly corrosive, according to the CDC.
Electronics: Leaving your phone, headphones, computer, or another electronic device in a hot car could cause it to shut down or suffer damage.
Medicine: If medications are left in high heat for an extended amount of time, the compounds in prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can be altered and lose potency.
Sunglasses/glasses: Leaving sunglasses or prescription glasses in a hot car can cause the plastic to soften and warp, changing the frame's shape and fit. If metal-framed glasses are left, the heat can make them too hot to put on your face or handle.
DVDs and CDs: If left in a hot car, CDs can warp and cases can melt together.
Unless you really need to take your animal with you, opt to leave your pet safely at home. The American Veterinary Medical Association says to "never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, no matter what the outdoor temperature or how long you think you'll be gone."
As stated above, cars can heat up rather quickly. Heatstroke is one of the leading non-crash vehicle-related fatalities among children, according to the NHTSA. It can occur when a child is left in a hot vehicle, which causes their body temperature to rise quickly and dangerously.
A core body temperature of 107 degrees is lethal.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Don't leave these 12 things in your car in Georgia summer heat
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