The Texas Apartment Association is urging members to promote its Neighbors CARE program to rental housing residents.
The initiative is meant to spread awareness of the symptoms and negative effects of heat stress and encourage people to help their neighbors avoid or minimize the problem. Heat stress can be particularly problematic for the elderly, the ill and the very young. The CARE program calls for residents to check on their neighbors daily, particularly vulnerable ones, according to Multifamily Biz. Those with low or fixed incomes may also be susceptible, because they cannot necessarily afford to run air conditioning or fans.
The program encourages people to become educated about the signs of heat stress and take appropriate precautions, such as hydration and dressing for warm weather. Additionally, people should report problems with air conditioning or fans to their rental property management professionals or landlords.
The program also includes seeking financial support to cover the utility bills of the less fortunate so they can avoid heat stress without additional hardship. These concerns may be relevant to many as summer approaches, particularly in warm states and areas.