Checking on loved ones during extreme heat

AccuWeather

AccuWeather's Emmy Victor was live on the AccuWeather Network to discuss why officials are asking for people to check on their neighbors as the heat wave continues in the Midwest and the Northeast.

Transcript

00:00Well, it's another day of extreme heat in some areas that have officials reminding people to

00:06check on their neighbors. Acura, there's Emmy. Victor is live into Chicago to explain why.

00:14Ari, there's a reason why heat is often referred to as the silent killer.

00:19On average, heat kills over 1,200 people every year, according to the CDC,

00:24and that includes right here in Chicago. In recent years, three women were found unresponsive

00:29in a retirement community after the air conditioning broke in their building.

00:34Many heat-related deaths can be prevented just by someone checking in on someone else. The CDC

00:40recommends reaching out to people who are most vulnerable in the heat. That includes small

00:44children, older adults, and people with disabilities. It's also important to check

00:49on people who live alone or don't have air conditioning. And when you speak with them,

00:53don't be afraid to ask them questions, like if they're drinking water or if they need a

00:57ride to a cooler place. And also take note if they appear to be struggling.

01:03If you are starting to lose consciousness or somebody in your family is getting dizzy or

01:07losing consciousness or if there's vomiting involved, make sure you know the signs of

01:13extreme heat exposure and potentially heat stroke. It's a life-threatening situation.

01:18Make sure that you've got your cell phone charged and you can dial 911 if you need to.

01:22While you wait for medical assistance, get them to a shady or cooler spot and cool the person

01:26down with water if you can. But with more heat expected this week in some areas,

01:30one way to avoid a situation like this altogether is by reaching out again. Call them back and make

01:36sure they know it'll still be hot and tell them exactly when. Even though that sounds a little

01:40bit silly, they may not know the forecast, and we all know how dangerous heat can be

01:45the longer it sticks around. Ariella?

01:48Amy, super important. My grandmom in the Scranton area does not have air conditioning. I called her

01:52and then I called my dad and I said we need to keep checking in on Meemaw because I know how

01:55dangerous this heat is. So important reminders to just constantly be calling and checking it

02:00over the next couple of days. Amy Victor live for us in Chicago. Thank you so much.

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