You can help prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by checking on people in your community during periods of extreme heat and, if needed, offering to drive them to an air-conditioned location.
The Problem
Extreme heat is uncomfortable for all of us, but older persons are among the most susceptible to heat-related illness and deaths. With age we lose some of our ability to adapt to the heat. Also, certain medications interfere with the body’s ability to handle heat, and some older people have mobility limitations that may prevent them from getting relief during high heat. Extreme heat kills more Americans each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes and floods combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Older persons are among the most susceptible to heat-related illness and deaths because people lose some ability to adapt to the heat.
The Solution
You can help prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths by checking on people in your community during periods of extreme heat and, if needed, offering to drive them to an air-conditioned location. Every heat-related illness and death is preventable! A/C is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death, according to the CDC.
Time Commitment
From 10 to 20 minutes to make a round of phone calls on hot days to a few hours or more to visit the people on your list and ensure they have what they need — and potentially transport them to a safer environment — to survive the heat wave.
Special Considerations
You need to have the means (or access to the means) to personally check on people and potentially transport them during a heat wave.
Who can do this?
Everyone.
Great Reasons to do this Project
- Help reduce and prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.
- Let the people on your list now that somebody is looking out for them.
- Strengthen community bonds: Even when people don’t need help, they will appreciate a call or visit and a chance to chat.
- Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones during periods of excessive heat.
