GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Temperatures are back on the rise after a weekend of cooler temperatures, and as summer starts, there’s more to worry about than just getting sunburnt this summer.

According to a Kids and Cars study, around 37 children die each year from vehicular heatstroke, and the National Safety Council specifically reports that 37 children under the age of 15 die each year due to being left in hot cars.

There have not been any deaths or significant injuries in Pitt County since 2017 when a mom left her toddler in a hot car while running into the Greenville Ulta Beauty. Police were able to get the toddler out with minimal injuries, however the threat remains.

AAA reports that on a typical 80-degree summer day, the interior temperature of a vehicle increases by 20 degrees in only 10 minutes, and reaches a deadly 109 degrees in 20 minutes.

On hotter days, the interior temperature can easily reach 120-140 degrees, and windows cracking has little effect.

Nowadays, new car features remind you to look in your backseat to ensure you do not forget anything or anyone.

Officials say it’s also important to slow down busy schedules to stay mindful of such situations and leave an item of value in the backseat that you’ll likely need for your errands, such as a purse.

In the event of an emergency, officials say you should call 911 first if you see a child or pet inside a hot car. However, act accordingly if it’s an emergency as you will be protected if you do need to break a window.