Summer’s here, and with it comes scorching temperatures. Municipal clerks are often the first point of contact for residents seeking information and assistance. Here are some tips to help them stay cool without cranking up the AC!

Spreading the Cool Word:

  • Public Cooling Centers: Compile a list of all public cooling centers in your municipality, including libraries, community centers, and senior centers. Highlight their operating hours and locations on your website, social media, and flyers at public buildings.
  • Beat the Heat Resources: Partner with local health departments to create brochures or online resources with tips for staying cool at home, hydration advice, and heatstroke prevention information. Make these resources available at your office and distribute them at community events.
  • Social Media Savvy: Share daily reminders on your social media platforms. Encourage residents to:
    • Close blinds during the day.
    • Open windows at night for cooler air.
    • Stay hydrated with water.
    • Check in on vulnerable neighbors.

Connecting Residents with Cool Solutions:

  • Public Pools & Splash Pads: Promote free or low-cost public pools and splash pads in your area. Create a map with their locations and operating hours, and share it through multiple channels.
  • Water Fountains & Refill Stations: Inform residents about the availability of public water fountains or refill stations in parks and community centers. Encourage them to carry reusable water bottles to stay hydrated on the go.
  • Programs for Vulnerable Populations: Work with social services to publicize programs that assist low-income residents and seniors with staying cool in the summer. This could include financial assistance for purchasing fans or air conditioners, or referrals to cooling centers with transportation options.

Cool Comforts at Home – No Cost Required!

Empower residents to create their own cool havens at home with these zero-cost tips:

  • Harness the Night: Encourage residents to open windows and doors at night when the outside air is cooler. Create a cross-breeze with strategically placed fans to circulate the cool air throughout the house. Close windows and doors during the day to trap the cooler air inside.
  • Blinds Before Blazes: Advise residents to block the sun’s rays with blinds, curtains, or even towels on south-facing windows. This can significantly reduce indoor heat gain.
  • Fan-tastic Solutions: Promote the use of ceiling fans and box fans. Ceiling fans set to rotate counter-clockwise create a cool, downward breeze. Box fans can be used for cross-ventilation or to direct cool air towards occupants.
  • Hydration is Key: Staying hydrated helps the body regulate temperature. Encourage residents to keep a reusable water bottle on hand and sip throughout the day.
  • Cool Cooking: Recommend lighter meals and suggest ditching the oven during the hottest parts of the day. Salads, grilled dishes, and no-cook meals are great options.
  • Smart Appliance Usage: Encourage residents to run appliances like dishwashers and dryers during cooler evening hours to minimize heat generation in the home.

Remember: By providing residents with accessible information and resources, you can empower them to stay safe and comfortable during the summer heat. Share these tips not only in your office but also through community partners and outreach programs. Let’s make this a cool and enjoyable summer for everyone!