When heat waves become killers

According to Eric Klinenberg who wrote Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago, hundreds of Chicago residents died alone, behind locked doors and sealed windows, out of contact of friends, family and neighbours, unassisted by public agencies or community groups.

“The only way to prevent another heat disaster is to address the isolation, poverty and fear that are prevalent in so many American cities today. Until we do, natural forces that are out of our control will continue to be uncontrollably dangerous,” Eric Klinenberg said.

Dr Nitschke said the death rate in South Australia was considerably reduced where elderly people had good social networks, air conditioners and the existence of a rudimentary heat wave plan.

We would do well to look to the hard lessons learnt in Chicago.