With temperatures expected to reach into the low- to mid-90s today and tomorrow, now’s a good time to review some hot weather safety tips and some of the cooling assistance programs offered by Arlington County.
Arlington’s Agency on Aging offers free fans to low-income seniors. The program, sponsored by Dominion and the Va. Dept. for the Aging, is open to Arlington residents 60 or over, with income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and a home without air conditioning or fans.
Arlington also administers Virginia’s Cooling Assistance Program. Qualifying households can apply for the program, which assists with the purchase of cooling equipment and/or the electricity to power that equipment, between June 15 and Aug. 15. For more information, Arlington residents can call 703-228-1350.
The county maintains a “Hot Tips for Keeping Cool” page on its website. Among the tips for staying safe in hot weather:
- Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic), even if you’re not thirsty.
- Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay cool indoors.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully and wear sunscreen.
- If you exercise outdoors, go in the morning or evening hours.
- Eat light, regular meals — avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
- Never leave anyone — infants, children, or pets — in a parked car.
- Know the signs of heat related illness.
- All County facilities — including community centers and libraries — are air-conditioned and open to the public.
Flickr photo by Philliefan99
