Now this heat is more than just yucky -- it's turned deadly. An article in today's Bee says that authorities in Fresno County are investigating as many as 14 deaths that may be heat related. Statewide the number of casualties may be over 50.
Mayor Alan Autry described it the other day as "killer heat." And he has reacted quickly to help give citizens relief.
Fresnans who need relief from the heat can call (559) 621-HEAT (4328) to get a ride to an air-conditioned community center. A Handy Ride vehicle or a taxi will take them to and from the closest center. Autry also has 14 city buses ready to help county residents in unincorporated areas.
County and education officials are also responding to the need for relief, especially for members of our community who are most vulnerable.
My friend Linda's air conditioner went out over the weekend. She put out a call for help on an online network of mostly local friends we have through a Yahoo group, and immediately another friend, Denise, helped her by donating a portable air conditioner that she can use until she gets the problem resolved.
This is how we will get through this -- by all pulling together and helping each other out.
Being the recipient of the loaner portable AC-- I have to concur -- having a group of friends who pulled together to help me and my family during our AC outage, from Denise who loaned me the AC, Cheryl who opened her air conditioned home (and pool) to me and my children, Kathleen, Marilyn, Laura and Diane who offered their cool homes, and to Jimmy who used his industry connections to help me get my AC serviced in a timely (the new unit goes in Thursday) manner, has been an absolute blessing -- and made what could have been a miserable week for my family (AND our French Exchange student) a fun week of camaraderie.
I am thrilled to know that I have such a great circle of friends, including Lisa, who I know will be there for me as I would be for them.
That's very good to hear.