MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Doctors told WREG these July temperatures are not only uncomfortable but deadly.
They said in this heat, you must listen to your body and check on your neighbors.
That’s exactly what MIFA Meals on Wheels volunteers were doing on their daily routes Monday.
Volunteers were trained on what to look for when it comes to taking care of the people they serve and if it seems like someone is trouble they know to call for reinforcements.
“If it feels hot or they look bad we could call it in. We have cells phones and would call and say we’ve got somebody in trouble and need some attention, and they can help us out,” said Barney Rolfes.
Monday, one elderly woman told a volunteer her air conditioning had been out all weekend, but someone was supposed to be it today.
The MIFA volunteer didn’t leave until he was sure it was going to be taken care of right away.
“We are prepared for anything, ” said Rolfes.
Doctors said the elderly, children and those on certain medications struggle the most in the heat.
Monday morning, Dr. Mark Castellaw with Baptist Medical Group treated two people with heat-related illnesses.
He said both were people who worked in warehouses without air conditioning.
He said when it comes to working in the heat indoors or outside you need to stay hydrated and know when to take a break.
” Your body will tell you when you are getting too hot. Your heart beats fast; you get a little light headed. Sometimes you stop sweating. If you ever stop sweating when you’re outside that is a serious sign you need to get into the cool,” said Dr. Castellaw.
People without air conditioning are urged to go to a community center, library or mall during the day.
