Congregational Care in Extreme Heat

In the midst of this large and intense heat wave, congregations can make a significant difference in identifying and protecting people who are most vulnerable to heat related emergencies. Excessive heat (temperatures ranging 10 or more degrees above the typical seasonal high), are dangerous. During an average summer more than 100 people die each week from heat events. In Chicago, during a single week in 1995, the lives of over 700 people, most of whom were over age 65, in were lost.

People at risk for heat emergencies include:

*Those who have chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions ;

*Those who are frail elderly living alone or young children

*Those who work outside or in situations without air conditioning, or live in homes without air conditioning

*People in densely populated urban areas (the heat is trapped by cement and buildings)

*People who are overweight and obese

*People on fixed incomes who might feel as though they cannot afford expensive air cooling

*People who take certain medications, such as those treating depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

*Athletes and others who exert themselves outside during the hottest portions of the day are all at risk when temperatures and heat indices reach and exceed 100 degrees

Pets, too are at risk in weather excessively warm weather and should be kept inside if possible or at least provided with shade and constant cool water.