Local nonprofits are working together to protect the area’s most vulnerable residents from high heat this summer.

America’s PrepareAthon, the Federal Administration’s seasonal campaign to build community-level preparedness action, has designated this week as Extreme Heat Week.

Extreme heat events occur when temperatures are substantially higher than average for a particular location at a given time of the year. The impact of extreme heat can cause widespread suffering and fatalities.

With temperatures predicted above 85 for at least the next 10 days, the Lafayette County RSVP/TRIAD volunteers have purchased 19 fans and donated them to Interfaith Compassion Ministries to be distributed to low-income seniors and individuals with a disability that don’t have air conditioning in their homes, or maybe only have cooling in one room of the home where the fan can help circulate air.

The majority of heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable if we take action to prepare for and respond to extreme heat, said Arledia Bennet, director of Lafayette County RSVP.

“The TRIAD volunteers are trying to help prevent heat-related illnesses with the purchase of the fans,” Bennett said. “After all, summer hasn’t really gotten here yet. We know there will be plenty of hot days to come.”

Low-income seniors or adults with disabilities should contact Lena Wiley at ICM by calling 662-281-1002 to receive a fan.