There is an Excessive Heat Warning in effect for this coming Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with more heat (just a guess) to come this summer.
Let's assume you are smart about the heat, that you have a hat, aren't planning on jogging at midday, have working air conditioning, and drink plenty of water. Not everyone is so lucky. How can you help out?
Check on neighbors
- Do you have elderly, young, sick, or disabled neighbors? Check in with them to make sure their A/C is working.
- If you are more rural, consider leaving a shallow tub of water out for wild creatures.
- Yikes, the power went out? This is another good time to check on elderly, sick, and disabled neighbors.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and call 911.
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness, fainting
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Know how to help too. In addition to calling 911, you should also help victims get into the shade, loosen their clothing, and get their skin wet. When rapid cooling is needed you can apply ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits. (Sources: cdc.gov, Red Cross)
Donate summer survival supplies. Local homeless shelters and relief agencies need things like bottled water, bug repellent, white t-shirts, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, backpacks, and flip flops. You can hand them out yourself, or bring them to the following distribution centers:
-
Joel D. Valdez Main Library
101 N. Stone Ave. -
American Red Cross
2916 E. Broadway -
VA Homeless Program
3601 S. 6th Ave., Bldg 90 -
Saint Francis Shelter, Sacred Heart Church
601 E. Fort Lowell Rd. -
Sister Jose Women's Shelter
1050 S. Park Ave. -
Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church
2331 E. Adams St. -
Salvation Army Hospitality House
1002 N. Main Ave. -
Sonora House
2940 N. Flowing Wells Rd. -
Z Mansion
288 N. Church -
LFC/RAPP
1101 E. Broadway, Suite 130 -
Primavera HIP
702 S. 6th Ave at 17th St.
Bring your pets in and make sure they have plenty of water. Pets and other animals can also get heat stroke. Watch for excessive panting and signs of discomfort. What do you do? Put them in a tub with cool water, or if they're outside, hose them down with cool water. Source: PetMD