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As I write this column, we are in the throes of a major heat wave. Nothing we do really prepares us for this because we don't experience it every day like they do in other parts of our country.
Here in the Ohio Valley we have had our share of hot and steamy summers, but these scorching, dry days are frightening. The danger of wildfires should keep us all on alert.
Imagine being a firefighter who has to don a 50 pound pack of equipment to fight a fire or rescue someone from an accident. It's hard to even comprehend the toll that takes on a human body. I'm sure frozen Twin Pops are a welcome addition to the local firehouse freezers.
Even lifeguards must truly be on guard at our local pools. They have to manage their own health needs first -- staying hydrated -- in order to keep swimmers safe. I'm not sure even swimming is very refreshing on days like we have been experiencing.
All week we have been hearing the warnings from health officials. Heed those warnings. When they tell us this heat is harder on young children, seniors and animals, believe them. Just walking outside to water the gardens or potted flowers is an instant sweat-a-thon for this over-the-hill Ohio Valley resident.
Yet, there are still people who leave children and pets in hot cars. Please be a good samaritan and watch out for those who have no voice in such matters. Don't hesitate to step in when common sense has fled.
I can't imagine not having air conditioning in times like this. However, my spouse reminds me that both of us grew up in homes with only window fans or overhead fans keeping our bodies cool. Some of us even slept outside on porches to escape the heat of our homes.
Years ago, some of the city playgrounds had small pools with spray arms that served as cooling centers for those of us who rode our bikes there. Today, we have numerous neighborhood and park pools to help us navigate the climbing temperature. The heat can certainly make us more than cranky.
I guess it helps to keep a sense of humor during these times. Is it a coincidence that I've been hearing "Hot Child in the City" and "Summer in the City" blasting out from the radio? And some of the TV channels are showing movies with titles such as "Some Like it Hot" and "Heat Wave."
I'd like to think that when the heat breaks, it won't break us, too. It usually takes a hefty thunderstorm to push this heat out of the valley, so let's all beware and prepared. Until that happens, take care of yourselves and your neighbors. That's what we do best, now isn't it?
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.