Temperatures generally have been mild this year … until now.
As we reported Wednesday, the National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for much of Missouri, extending through 8 p.m. Saturday.
We suspect that won’t be the end of the heat; the dog days of summer are here.
You’ve heard the usual warnings and tips to avoid health problems in the heat, including heat stroke, which can lead to death. But what you might not be thinking about is to check on your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or have pre-existing health conditions.
Just because you don’t blow leaves on other people’s property doesn’t make you a good neighbor. Take the extra step to look out for their well-being.
Make sure they have what they need to be comfortable in their homes. If they don’t have air conditioning, consider inviting them into your home.
Area counties also have their own cooling center.
Doctors said people most at risk of heat-related illnesses are senior citizens, people already suffering other health ailments and the very young.
If you have a neighbor like this, check on them periodically with a phone call or visit.
Many of us have chosen to live here because we have such a generous and compassionate community. When temperatures become dangerously high, we need to exert an extra degree of compassion to ensure that everyone, especially our most vulnerable residents, are safe.
Central Missouri Newspapers