Keys Locked in Car with Child or Pet¶

Accidentally locking keys inside a vehicle while a child, infant, or pet is trapped inside is a life-threatening emergency. Vehicle interior temperatures can rise by 11 °C (20 °F) in under 10 minutes, quickly causing fatal heat stroke even in mild ambient weather.

Immediate Action Steps (First 2 Minutes)¶

1. Call Emergency Services Immediately: Call 911 (or your national emergency number) right away. Inform the dispatcher that a child or pet is trapped inside a locked vehicle. Fire departments and police units are dispatched with emergency lockout tools.
2. Assess Vehicle Interior Temperature and Occupant Condition:
3. If the sun is shining, outside temperatures are above 20 °C (68 °F), or the occupant shows signs of heat distress (flushed skin, lethargy, heavy sweating, unresponsive), do not wait for locksmiths or emergency services. Break a window immediately.
4. Emergency Glass Breaking Method:
5. Select the Furthest Window: Choose a side window furthest away from the child or pet to avoid flying glass injury. Never break the front windshield or rear window glass, which are laminated and shatter-resistant.
6. Use a Window Punch or Sharp Metal Object: Strike the bottom corner of a tempered side door window using an emergency escape hammer, center-punch tool, metal headrest peg, or heavy stone. Tempered glass shatters instantly when struck near lower edges.
7. Clear Glass Edges: Wrap your hand in a jacket or heavy cloth to clear remaining glass shards around the window frame, reach in, and unlock the vehicle door.

Post-Retrieval Heat Illness First Aid¶

• Move the child or pet immediately into a shaded or air-conditioned space.
• Apply cool, damp cloths to the neck, armpits, and groin.
• Offer small sips of cool water if the person is conscious and alert. Seek professional paramedic evaluation.