Potential For More Heat Waves Possible

Area Programs Provide Aid

Charles Smith with Heating & Air Solutions hooks up to test the coolant line pressure on a condenser unit Thursday at a home in Springdale. Proper refrigerant pressure is essential for a central air system to work properly. Smith has several easy tips to prolong the life of an air conditioner until including keeping grass and shrubs at least three feet away from the outside unit and when mowing, to always mow away from the unit to keep the mower from blowing clippings into the unit.
Charles Smith with Heating & Air Solutions hooks up to test the coolant line pressure on a condenser unit Thursday at a home in Springdale. Proper refrigerant pressure is essential for a central air system to work properly. Smith has several easy tips to prolong the life of an air conditioner until including keeping grass and shrubs at least three feet away from the outside unit and when mowing, to always mow away from the unit to keep the mower from blowing clippings into the unit.

The odds are good temperatures will be higher than average this summer in Northwest Arkansas, a National Weather Service representative said.

The first heat advisory of the year was issued for Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday. Northwest Arkansas, over the past two years, has experienced record hot summers where heat advisories

At A Glance

Block The Heat

• Plant a deciduous shade tree near the home to control the amount of heat that reaches your house.

• Repair and weatherstrip air leaks in the home; about 10 to 25 percent of energy used to cool homes escapes via leaks.

• Increase attic insulation if the joists are showing. Recommended level is R-38, or 10-16 inches of blown insulation.

Thermostat

• Install a programmable thermostat; set it higher when away.

• When home, set thermostat to 78 degrees.

• Install ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the house.

• Maintain consistent temperatures.

Windows, Vents

• Replace air filters monthly to improve air flow.

• Shade windows with light-colored shades to reflect heat.

• Close draperies and shades on south-facing windows to block sunlight and heat during the day.

• Install awnings on windows that get excessive sun in the late afternoon.

• Move furnishings away from floor or return air vents.

Appliances

• Hang laundry outside to dry. Use the dryer’s fluff cycle to soften any stiffness.

• Use a microwave instead of a conventional oven.

• Avoid using heat-producing appliances such as ovens or dryers during the hottest parts of the day.

Source: swepco.com

were issued more frequently, said Ed Calianese, the National Weather Service’s Northwest Arkansas representative in Tulsa, Okla.

A heat advisory is issued whenever the heat index — how the temperature feels — reaches or exceeds a rating of 105 degrees. To calculate the heat index, meteorologists combine measurements of moisture and heat in the atmosphere. If a heat advisory persists for more than 48 hours, and nighttime lows stay at or above 75 degrees, the National Weather Service will issue an excessive heat warning, Calianese said.

When a heat advisory is in effect, people are advised to limit outdoor activities, Calianese said.

“Stay hydrated, preferably with water, and take frequent breaks in air conditioned interiors,” he said. “If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, try to spend time in public areas such as malls and libraries that are air conditioned during the heat of the day.”

To avoid dehydration and potential heat stroke, Jen Schroeder, a doctor with Mercy Northwest Arkansas, said individuals should focus on maintaining their core temperatures by drinking cool drinks with ice.

“Keeping a wet cloth on your neck or taking a cold shower helps you stay cool and keeps your core temperature cool, too. Depending on how much you are sweating, and if you aren’t diabetic, drinking drinks like Gatorade can help you regulate the amount of electrolytes you have,” she said. “If you are cramping, that means you are low on electrolytes, and if you start sweating less or have a dry mouth, you could be showing signs of dehydration.

“Be sure to keep track of the color of your urine,” she said. “If it is a dark yellow and you aren’t urinating much, you need to be drinking more fluids. If it is a pale yellow, you are doing well. Be sure to take breaks often in the shade or cool areas if you are working outside, and don’t wait too long to drink.”

Heat stroke can occur after becoming dehydrated. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, difficulty identifying someone or location memory loss. If showing signs of heat stroke, victims should go see a doctor immediately, Schroeder said.

There are several programs that provide assistance to residents who don’t have air conditioning, or require assistance with energy bills.

The Salvation Army provides free box fan giveaways at each of their five social services offices in the area: in Springdale, 329 Holcomb St.; Siloam Springs, 1971 E. U.S. 412.; Fayetteville, 219 W. 15th St.; Rogers, 2223 W. Walnut St., and Berryville, 910 W. Trimble Ave. Suite 7.

To receive a fan, an individual needs a photo ID and must fill out an application, said Garret Krier, public relations and volunteer coordinator.

“The Salvation Army has given out about 175 fans since June 10,” Krier said. “We’re also one of the only groups in the area to provide cooling centers.”

Residents can use air conditioned Salvation Army shelters in Fayetteville at 219 W. 15th St., and Bentonville at 3305 S.W. I St. They open at 4:30 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. each day.

Residents who need assistance with energy bill payments can apply for the Summer Home Energy Assistance Program operated by the Office of Human Concern. The program is designed to provide aid for low-income people and families. It assists residents in Benton, Carroll and Madison counties.

Assistance was provided last winter to 3,000 residents in Benton, Carrol and Madison counties. They expect to provide aid to 2,500-2,800 residents this summer, said Karen Barrett, who works in family development for the Office of Human Concern.

For four years, the Office of Human Concern offered energy crisis assistance for residents whose electricity was shut off. This year, because of funding cuts, the office can only help with paying energy bills, Barrett said.

“The money we do have is going very quickly, so I advise if a family needs help to apply very soon,” she said. “Unfortunately, the funding is so short this year, and those who are depending on shut-off service will be in a bind. I’m really concerned about them.”

Assistance available is calculated on the number of people in a household and the total household income. The range of assistance available is $53-$309. The average is $134-$138, Barret said.

Residents in Washington County can contact the Economic Opportunity Agency for energy assistance. However, funding is “nearly depleted” and “running out,” said Michael Lanier, executive director.

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