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Inspiration

Make a difference during heat waves

he long days of summer have people pedal- • Keep cool drinks and water in the refrigerator, but
ing along bike paths long after suppertime, limit tea and coffee as these are slightly diuretic.
shooting hoops in driveways as the sun sets,
T bringing lawn chairs to evening concerts out- • Have enough food, drink and medicines for several
doors, and more. Yet, lately, in an increasing number of days in case of power loss. And procure a generator,
locales, conditions that have historically been pleasurably if possible, for back-up power.
languid have turned ovenlike. For some, this has turned
heat waves from uncomfortable to unbearable and even • Pull down awnings and close shutters and blinds to
deadly. keep sunlight and heat out.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of friends and family
While we've known that frail people, such as the elderly, who may be your lifeline in an emergency.
the very young and those with chronic health conditions,
must be mindful to stay cool and hydrated during heat • Place damp towels around your neck and shoulders
waves, more of us now need to protect ourselves and and soak your bare feet in a basin of cool water.
our loved ones, because more people are experiencing
temperature spikes they've never endured before. • Avoid doing work that isn't absolutely necessary,
and if you must work outdoors, do so early in the
At these times, merchant level salespeople who enjoy and morning.
depend on visiting merchant businesses in person should
do so early in the day, before temperatures rise too high. • Stay tuned to media sources to keep apprised of
So it makes sense to adjust expectations for the number local weather conditions.
of visits done per day and to change activities to include • If you cannot keep cool enough at home or in your
more phone, email and online outreach than in-person office, find out what cooling stations and other
visits for the duration of a hot spell. resources your community offers.

Reaching out will help
In addition, you could give merchants small water bottles
We also need to look after others during these times. Most with your branding and suggest they give their custom-
of us know who in our inner circle is vulnerable when ers bottles with their own branding. You and a group of
temperatures are insufferable. It's also good to remember local merchants could also co-sponsor a series of events of
that some people in our wider circle who seem healthy interest to your community at an air-conditioned venue.
may not be as robust as they appear to be. So one thing you
can do is widely distribute a list of actions that help people Possibilities for being a good friend and neighbor during
deal with extreme heat. If you send out a newsletter, for difficult weather abound, and the more you help, the more
example, you could include tips such as: you will become someone your merchants know and like.

• Check air conditioning before it's needed to make
sure it's working properly.

• Cool only the areas of your home/office where
people will be located, and use fans to help circulate
air. Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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