Too Hot To Handle

Alabama Prichard Beating the heat isn't easy especially for elderly and disabled residents.

by Jessica Taloney

Published: Mon, June 22, 2009 - 3:06 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, June 22, 2009 - 4:58 pm CST

Francine Brock, 50, does anything she can to stay cool.

"Sometimes I'll go and catch a bus and sit at the mall," she says.

Brock doesn't have an air conditioner in her home, just a small fan sitting on a table.

"You know it just exhausts you. It drains you," says Brock, as sweat drips down her face.

Officials at the Prichard fire department fear there are plenty more people dealing with the same situation.

Latoya Veal, a spokesperson for the city, says that's why the fire department is continuing Operation Roll Call, a free service to elderly and disabled residents.

The program started two years ago after fire fighters and paramedics were finding people who had become ill, but not discovered for several days.

An employee at the fire department runs through a list of 48 residents every morning, calling each of them to make sure they're okay.

If someone on the list can't be reached, a fire fighter goes to their home to check on them.

As the temperature continues to rise, so does the risk of heat related illness. To sign up for the program call 452-7817.

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danceflick Says:

Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 9:54 pm

Prichard little spokeslady is smoking HOT.

tbwnavy Says:

Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 9:21 pm

I would like to donate a small window unit for this person if possible. No one should have to do without some type of “cool/cold” air. This heat is to extreme and my heart just went out to her….Even in these hard times for all of us it seems the right and only thing to do.

rmseek1234 Says:

Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 6:37 pm

That’s a great program that the fire department has! It is a shame that families may not always be willing or available to watch out for their own, or that neighbors don’t want to get involved. It is nice though, that someone cares.

justme Says:

Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 5:55 pm

Family their for family regretfully is not common anymore, get old and they don’t want you unless you have something they want for their selfish self’s.