Dear Seniors,
Happy Summer! Last month, we PROUDLY celebrated the vibrancy of Pride Month, showering our LGBTQ+ community with support. This show of living boldly is a clear example of resilience and living how one wants and chooses. Thank you to all seniors that joined us on the Senior Pride Trolley as we celebrated together at the Capital Pride Parade.
It was also a pleasure to see all of your faces at Mayor Bowser’s 13th Annual Senior Symposium. Having the symposium during Elder Abuse Awareness Month was a must! This year’s theme, “Empowerment through Awareness,” highlighted elder abuse and fraud prevention. You engaged in panel discussions, a resource fair, and received a warm welcome from Mayor Bowser! We hope you took away key points and facts to help better safeguard yourselves from scams and fraud. Your protection is our number one priority at all times. If you or someone you know is experiencing fraud or a scam, please call the Adult Protective Services (APS) Hotline at (202) 541-3950 available 24-hours 7-days a week.
The kick-off to this summer has been particularly hot already, and we want to ensure you are protected during a heat emergency. When the forecasted temperature or heat index in the District is 95 degrees or higher, the District Government implements the Heat Emergency Plan and activates cooling centers for community members to seek relief. If you find yourself in need of cooling down in hot temperatures, please visit: heat.dc.gov, to see where a cooling center near you may be located. If you or someone you know needs free, accessible transportation to a cooling center, please dial 311.
As we continue to stay cool, here are some tips on how to beat the heat this summer.
- Stay Indoors: Find places in the shade or with air conditioning to seek relief from the heat.
- Check on Your Neighbors: Young children, older adults, and those with disabilities or other access and functional needs are the most vulnerable in our community.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and avoid liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine, or large amounts of sugar.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and use SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
- Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: Vehicles can reach dangerous temperatures within 10 minutes. Pet and service animal owners should keep animals indoors, walk them early in the morning, and give them plenty of water.
We have also often seen seniors suffer from heat exhaustion during heat emergencies. Here are some tips to identify the signs of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion.
Symptoms may include:
- Dry red skin
- Convulsions
- Throbbing headaches
- Disorientation
- Chills
- Delirium
- Coma
If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a heat-related illness, call 911 immediately. During these times, we invite you to come visit a senior wellness center and escape the heat. We have plenty of activities taking place and an amazing amount of AC to keep you cool! If you have any questions about senior wellness centers, call my office so that we may assist you at (202)-724-5626. We hope that you are able to stay cool during this heated season.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer!
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Director, DACL