Tryon Fire Department PIO Steven Siler (right) and Polk County Animal Control Officer Patty Lovelace

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FOOTHILLS—As summer temperatures rise across the Carolinas, local emergency officials are sounding the alarm on a silent but deadly threat: hot vehicles and scorching pavement. While many associate the danger of overheated cars with young children, the Tryon Fire Department and Polk County Animal Control are emphasizing that pets and elderly individuals are also at high risk during the hottest months of the year.

To raise awareness, the agencies have teamed up with Stott’s Ford to display a vivid and sobering reminder of the threat—a brand-new Ford Mustang parked on Trade Street in downtown Tryon, transformed into a powerful educational prop. The vehicle, part of the “Hot Car” campaign, is equipped with signage and temperature monitors showing just how quickly a parked car can turn into a death trap.

Deadly Temperatures in Minutes

On a sunny day, the inside of a parked car can reach life-threatening temperatures within minutes—even with the windows cracked. The Tryon Fire Department demonstrated this by placing a thermometer inside the Mustang. Within a few minutes, the internal temperature rose to over 180°F, despite an outside temperature of 100°F.

“Every summer we respond to calls where someone spots a child, a pet, or even an elderly person left inside a car,” said Tryon Fire Department PIO Steven W. Siler. “Most people just don’t realize how fast it gets dangerous. It’s not just about comfort—this is a matter of life and death.”

The elderly, like children, are especially vulnerable due to impaired thermoregulation, medical conditions, or limited mobility that can prevent them from escaping a hot vehicle. Pets, especially dogs, are also at extreme risk. In a hot car, a dog can suffer irreversible organ damage or death in under 15 minutes.

Pavement Burns: A Hidden Hazard for Pets

Beyond vehicle heat, the Tryon Fire Department and Polk County Animal Control are warning about another common danger to pets: hot pavement.

“When the air temperature is just 85 degrees, pavement can hit 135 to 145 degrees,” explained Polk County Animal Control Officer Patty Lovelace. “That’s hot enough to cause burns to a dog’s paw pads in under a minute.”

Each summer, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department receives reports of animals suffering from burned paws after being walked during peak heat hours. To help owners gauge the risk, officials recommend the “seven-second rule”: if you can’t comfortably place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, it’s too hot for your pet.

Instead, officials encourage walking dogs early in the morning or late in the evening, sticking to grassy areas, and keeping walks short when temperatures climb.

A Community-Wide Effort

The Hot Car Mustang, parked in the heart of downtown Tryon, has already drawn plenty of attention from locals and tourists alike. Partnering with Stott’s Ford allowed the fire department and animal control to make their message more visible and impactful.

“We wanted something that really grabbed people’s attention and made them think,” said Captain Siler. “This car helps visualize the danger in a way words sometimes can’t.”

Educational materials are available at the vehicle display, including tips on preventing heatstroke in pets and identifying signs of heat exhaustion in people and animals. Additional information can be found at www.NCSafeKids.org.

How You Can Help

Tryon officials are asking residents to be proactive:

• Never leave children, pets, or elderly individuals unattended in a vehicle.

• Check the pavement before walking dogs. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

• Report concerns. If you see someone or an animal locked in a hot car, call 911 immediately.

• Share the message. Spread awareness among neighbors, friends, and social media networks.

“This is a community safety issue,” said Officer Lovelace. “A few minutes of education can save your loved one, be it two-legged or four legged.”

As the summer sun continues to blaze, the message from Tryon’s first responders is clear: heat kills—but awareness saves. Stop by Trade Street to see the Hot Car Mustang for yourself and help keep everyone in our community—young, old, and furry—safe this summer.