Zachary.downes@ocfl.net – Health Services Department Public Information Officer
Bryant.almeida@ocfl.net – Orange County Animal Services
FirePIO@ocfl.net – Orange County Fire Rescue
Orange County Agencies Remind Residents About Hot Car Dangers
Orange County, FL — Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) and Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) are partnering this summer to remind residents that leaving children or pets in unattended vehicles is both dangerous and illegal.
As we reach the peak of summer, both agencies have responded to emergency calls involving children and animals left inside hot vehicles. Interior temperatures can rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes. After an hour, temperatures can increase by 40 to 50 degrees, creating life-threatening conditions.
To raise public awareness, OCAS and OCFR will host a live demonstration for media members. The event will highlight:
- How vehicle temperatures are measured
- Techniques used by responders to gain access to locked vehicles
- Medical risks associated with heat exposure
- How first responders treat both children and pets in these emergencies
- Legal consequences for leaving pets or children in unattended vehicles
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 8:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Orange County Animal Services, 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839
PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES:
A live visual demonstration showing how temperatures are checked inside a hot car.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Carmen-Susan Glotfelty-Ortiz, Veterinarian, Orange County Animal Services
- Daniel McCracken, Senior Road Officer, Orange County Animal Services
- Lt. Kimberly Engeman, Orange County EMS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Please RSVP to Zachary.downes@ocfl.net by Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 4 p.m.
- Informational Flyer
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.