Recently, around the United States, temperatures have been at an all-time high. This is due to global warming, as studies show it is the main reason why extreme weather events have been occurring all over the U.S. Temperatures are rising significantly in the south, northeast, and west. On average, these temperatures are in the high 90s and low 100s.
Vulnerable communities risk not having the resources necessary to stay cool. These items may include water, air conditioning, ice, and other necessities. Other communities that may have more power and wealth might have access to these services. Having more power in society leads to easier access. But even with access to cooling systems, the prices to operate these machines are high.
One way that we as a community can stay safe is by avoiding going outside during peak heat. The hottest part of the day is typically 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Some tips for indoors are to close blinds and take cool showers. If you live in a smaller community, try to check in with neighbors if possible. Long-term solutions may include educating people on how to minimize risks of heatstroke, creating emergency plans for extreme weather, finding ways to use renewable energy, and creating more green spaces.
To stay healthy, try to get good and restful sleep. Drinking water or fluids is also really important because it's easy to get dehydrated. Going to public areas and taking advantage of public resources is a great way to stay cool affordably. Some areas you might go to include libraries, shopping malls, and community centers.