There has never been a heat wave such as the one we are seeing now, at least not since temperature records began being recorded in 1880. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) reported last month was the hottest month of June ever recorded, and July is even hotter. It is expected to be the hottest month in recorded history.

The current heatwave stretches from coast to coast and as far north as Minnesota and is expected to continue through the end of the week.

We realize the heat wave is far more than a topic of conversation. It has real consequences. This week the worst of those consequences came to our community. On Friday, an elderly Lowndes County man died from heat exposure, according to coroner Greg Merchant.

Family members who live next door and helped care for Larry Lynn, 73, began to worry about him when they had not seen him leave his mobile home that day. At about 4 p.m., they went to check on him and discovered that he had died. Merchant said the temperature inside the mobile home was 104 degrees when first responders arrived. His family members said Lynn had air-conditioning and fans but did not use them.

It’s a tragic event made only sadder because Lynn need not have died. While it is unclear why Lynn chose not to use his AC or fans, it is not uncommon that elderly people on fixed incomes sometimes avoid using AC or heat for fear of having their electricity cut off because they are unable to pay.

That, unfortunately, is one of the predicaments utility companies often face during severe cold or hot weather periods.

For 4-County Electric Power Association, losing one of its customers in such a way is deeply disturbing.

“Our heart goes out to Mr. Lynn and his family and we will keep them in our prayers,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark.  “We are very aware of how extreme temperatures can affect our members. We do our best to warn members when extreme temperatures are likely and remind them of things they can do to mitigate them.”

Clark said 4-County and other providers suspend disconnection during severe weather such as the current heat wave. He noted that 4-County has payment options that can make utility costs more manageable.

“Our member service representatives and our energy experts are also available to discuss energy use, extreme temperatures and any other energy use questions or concerns with any of our members,” Clark said.

Anyone facing disconnection during extreme weather should reach out to their utility company to determine what options exist.

Elderly people are especially vulnerable during extreme weather, so if you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbor who lives alone, it’s a good idea to check in on them regularly.

One of the common misconceptions is that a person is in danger from heat-related illnesses only if they are outside in direct sunlight. As Lynn’s death indicates, a dwelling that has no AC or circulating air can be deadly. To compound that problem, one of the characteristics of heat-related illness is that it impairs judgment. A person can reach the point where they are no longer able to understand and implement even the most basic safety measures.

We should all keep an eye out for our elderly as this record heat wave continues. Make sure they know that the use of AC and fans are not optional. Drop by or give them a call at regular intervals, just to be sure they are doing what they need to do to stay safe.

One tragedy such as this in our community is one too many.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.

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