Media & Community Education Ideas

  • Publish a special newspaper section with emergency information on extreme heat. Localize the information by including the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross chapter, and local hospitals.
  • Interview local physicians about the dangers of sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other possible conditions caused by excessive heat.
  • During a drought, run a series of programs suggesting ways that individuals can conserve water and energy in their homes and their workplaces.
  • Interview local officials and representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture about special steps farmers can take to establish alternative water supplies for their crops and ways to protect livestock and poultry from the effects of extreme heat.
  • Sponsor a "Helping Your Neighbors" program through your local school system to encourage children to think of those persons who require special assistance during severe weather conditions, such as elderly people, infants, or people with disabilities.
  • Arrange for air-conditioned shelters to be opened when necessary for community members who do not have air conditioning at home.
  • Arrange for special programs to provide air conditioners to vulnerable people in their homes.