In an editorial in this week's New England Journal of Medicine, Emory University emergency physicians comment on lessons learned from the Chicago heat wave of 1995. Sentinel surveillance, public education, outreach to vulnerable individuals, and enlisting the help of the entire community can save lives. Air-conditioners have been turned off by victims who felt they could not afford the utility bill.
Homes can become super-heated if the windows are nailed shut to thwart burglars.
Some residents will not leave their home unguarded. Others are simply too proud or too fearful to seek refuge in a 'public' shelter. Local media advise residents to increase fluid intake and decrease physical activity. Citizens with air-conditioning are urged to check on elderly relatives, friends or neighbors and take them in as guests. Letter carriers play an important role by hand-delivering the mail to elderly customers on their route.