Little Rock Residents Beat the Heat with Sweet Treats and Community Support
In the sweltering summer of 2023, Little Rock residents are finding creative ways to stay cool as temperatures soar into the triple digits. One sweet approach is grabbing attention: ice cream. People are flocking to ice cream shops to indulge in a refreshing respite from the heat. This sweet treat offers a momentary escape from the suffocating temperatures that have become the norm in the city.
As heat intensifies in urban areas, factors like reduced tree coverage, air flow, and heavy traffic contribute to “urban heat islands.” These pockets of elevated temperatures pose significant threats, particularly to vulnerable populations such as low-income communities. The City of Little Rock, in collaboration with national organizations, has launched initiatives to map and mitigate these heat islands. During the Heat Watch campaign, volunteers equipped with heat sensors mapped the city’s heat patterns, providing valuable data to inform heat reduction strategies.
Entergy Arkansas is also stepping in to offer support. Through their “Beat the Heat” fan drive, they are distributing fans to low-income residents who struggle to afford energy bills during the scorching summer months. Partnering with local organizations, Entergy aims to provide relief from the heat and help manage energy consumption. Additionally, they offer resources to help customers save on their utility bills, recognizing the financial strain that high summer usage can bring.
In the face of extreme heat, the resilience and resourcefulness of Little Rock’s community are on full display. From indulging in cool treats to finding innovative solutions to mitigate the heat, residents are working together to stay safe and comfortable in the blistering summer temperatures.
