Seniors should have kit for summer survival.

• Position: Heat Waves

For most of us, record summer heat means little more than higher air conditioning bills and more time at the pool and beach--but for aging seniors living on their own, the consequences can be far more serious. The National Climatic Data Center reports the Northeast had its warmest March, April, and May in history. A stagnant June heat wave brought records for both high temperatures and total days above 90[degrees]F for one-third of the country, stretching from Missouri to New York to the Southeast. In early July, readings of 100[degrees] were seen up and down the East Coast--and now the dog days of August are here.

Senior Helpers, Towson, Md., is advising families to protect aging relatives by putting together a simple senior summer survival kit. This is an easy, inexpensive way to make sure elderly loved ones have what they need to stay safe and comfortable during hot summer days--especially when family members may be off on vacation.

"Whether seniors are traveling themselves or staying on their own while the rest of the family is out of town, it's absolutely vital that aging family members have the resources to be safe, happy, and healthy," advises Peter Ross, CEO and cofounder. "Seniors are far more susceptible to health problems related to summer heat than any other demographic. Taking the time to prepare one of these kits can make...