LULAC Urges Safety Checks On The Most Vulnerable During Bad Weather
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says High Temperatures and Heavy Rains Pose Danger To Elderly and Those At-Risk
Washington, DC - Elia Mendoza, National Board Member and Vice-President for the Elderly for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today issued the following statement in the face of severe weather in several areas of the United States and Puerto Rico.
“This week we are seeing some of the hottest temperatures in the Pacific Northwest ever recorded with up to triple digits in areas of Washington State where many people do not have air conditioning. That is especially impacting seniors and others still isolated because of the pandemic. The same is true for many other parts of the United States and Puerto Rico. Weather extremes are affecting them also.
LULAC is asking its members, friends and all Americans to be aware of each other during these weather extremes. Depending on where you live, your community may be experiencing very hot temperatures that are especially dangerous for the elderly living alone or for those with physical impairments that make them particularly vulnerable.
The same is true for older people dealing with sudden thunderstorms in parts of the country prone to flooding. This makes leaving home for food or medicine dangerous and not advisable for them. It is better to help those individuals whose mobility is limited by encouraging them to request that items be delivered to their door. Or, see if there is a local organization or volunteers who can reach out to help them.
Remember you can get help immediately in an emergency simply by dialing 9-1-1. If you know someone whose living conditions may be unsafe during severe weather, contact their family or friends before an emergency occurs. Preparation is vital. LULAC councils across the country and Puerto Rico are here to assist wherever possible and we want our elderly, disabled and veterans to know they are not alone.”
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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/