Metro Health issues Level III heat advisory

SAFD, ACS spokespersons reminded not to leave kids or pets in hot cars

SAN ANTONIO – Anthony Ceballos said he beats the heat for himself and his dog, 7-year-old Sammy, by keeping cool and having something to drink nearby. 

"I've had him since he was a puppy.  I keep water inside the truck and the air conditioning on all the time," said Ceballos.

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Staying cool and hydrated is important for pets and humans especially on a hot day like Thursday which is the first of a two-day Level III heat advisory.  

"Water and ice tea for me," said Ceballos.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran was visiting Animal Care Services where he'd just dropped off a mother dog and her litter of pups that he found abandoned near his home. Inside of ACS, a certified animal cruelty investigator, Joel Skidmore said abandoning animals is one thing, but leaving them inside of a hot vehicle is another.  

"The inside temperature of the car heats up. And they have no source to cool down, then they can perish," said Skidmore. 

Skidmore said ACS had three calls last week for dogs left inside of hot vehicles. If the animal lives it’s a ticket-able offense. If the animal dies criminal charges could follow. The animal cruelty investigator said he repeatedly hears the same response.

"I didn't know this was going to happen. I was going inside the store for just a minute. That's the common answer," said Skidmore.

Skidmore advised to never leave animals inside of a vehicle. San Antonio Fire Department spokesman Woody Woodward agreed saying the same goes for children.

"Never ever leave a child in a car unattended," said Woodward.

Woodward said that while 90-degree summer days are not uncommon in South Texas, don’t be lulled into a false sense of safety.

"It's very easy to get caught off-guard in this heat especially if you've lived here for any length of time," said Woodward

He also warned to be on the lookout for symptoms of heat stroke. 

"Dizziness, vomiting, lightheadedness. Don't take a chance. Call for help. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can absolutely be fatal," said Woodward.