Already in the U.S. this year, 20 children have died after being left in hot cars, prompting warnings from police and public health departments. Williamsburg recently declared a heat emergency, and Richmond and its residents took action.
Richmond opened three special cooling centers where people could go to escape temperatures in the 90’s, and officials reminded residents to drink plenty of water. Rob Lawrence, who oversees the city’s fleet of 43 ambulances, says people seem to have gotten the message.
“Business, actually, surprising has been at normal volumes. We’ve seen the odd heat-related injury, but people have been taking heed of public health and prevention advice that’s been issued, and so so far, so good.”
For Richard Felder of Petersburg, keeping cool is a matter of mind over sweaty matter. He figures there are many people who have it worse.
“People in Africa, places all over the world I might not know of. So you’re not feeling too sorry for yourself in this heat. No, no. I’m blessed. I’m blessed. I’m blessed.”
And George Prince took this week’s weather as an opportunity to abandon his wool and gabardine suits.
“When it’s hot like this I go lighter – like linen or seersucker. It’s cooler. Do you have more than one of these suits? I have several. I have them in all colors.” :07
Accenting today’s grey and white seersucker – a red bow tie and handkerchief.
Temperatures in the state’s capital will fall into the high 80’s today and tomorrow, then push into the 90’s again for at least a week.
