AARP
calls on President to release emergency funding
after heat wave sweeps the country... AARP
offers Ten Tips to Beat the Heat and Get Benefit
Resource for Utility Payment
WASHINGTON, July 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
In a letter today, AARP has urged the President
to release more than $200 million in emergency
energy assistance after the nation was swept by
a searing heat wave last week. Emergency
funding, found in Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funds,
can be released at the President's discretion to
aid communities and individuals affected most by
their inability to cool their homes in 100
degree or higher weather.
"The safety and security of low income
Americans, especially older Americans, should
not be compromised," said Bill Novelli, AARP
CEO, in his letter to the President. "Beyond
concerns with widespread personal hardships,
ignoring energy assistance needs has proven to
be penny-wise and pound-foolish -- with a
substantial human and economic toll that
includes increased heat-related illnesses and
deaths, and unanticipated health care costs."
Since many Americans are unable to pay their
utilities, or are forced to choose between
utility payments and other imperative expenses,
LIHEAP is a resource for many during the hottest
and coldest times of the year is.
The program provides aid for those who need
extra help paying their utility bills. To find
out if you are eligible for this, and other
public services, visit the AARP Benefits
QuickLink at
http://www.aarp.org/money/lowincomehelp/quicklink/
.
Areas of the nation continue to experience
unseasonably warm weather. Until emergency
funds are released, AARP continues to
encourage older Americans nationwide to heed
warnings and avoid the heat.
As many know, older people, children and others
with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart
disease) are at the greatest risk for
heat-related illness and death.
Now is not the time for chores or running
errands.
"Heat waves like the one we recently experienced
can be miserable for all ages, but potentially
life threatening for older residents," said
Elinor Ginzler, AARP Director for Livable
Communities. "We especially encourage friends
and family to check in with their loved ones on
a regular basis and make sure they are doing
what they can to beat the heat."
Ten Tips for Beating
the Heat
1) Relax and put off chores and any
strenuous activity.
2) Stay indoors during the hottest times of
the day.
3) Close your shades to keep out the
sunshine.
4) If you do not have air conditioning,
stay on the lower-level in your
home --- heat rises.
5) Check with your local agency for cool
places you can go such as
libraries and public buildings, or a
mall with air conditioning.
6) Wear light-weight, loose fitting
clothing and protect yourself from
the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses
or using an umbrella.
7) Drink plenty of water even if you are
not thirsty. This helps keep
your body cool.
8) Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
9) If you have a chronic medical condition,
talk with your doctor about additional
precautions you should take to prevent heat
related
illness. Some conditions and medications may
place you at higher
risk.
10) Neighbors, friends or family should
check in on older people in their homes to make
sure they are not suffering from the heat.
