While most of the Bay Area sweltered under record-setting heat, there were real concerns about the safety of vulnerable seniors who may not have air conditioning.
In Livermore, where temperatures were predicted to hit at least 104 degrees, volunteers for t he Alameda County Meals on Wheels program were doing welfare checks on their clients as they delivered their daily meals.
“I have 12 clients,” said volunteer Deanna Steinhauer. “We try to get it done between 10 and 12. I’m very grateful that we do it first thing in the morning because then, you know, I can get out of the heat.”
On a blistering hot day like Wednesday, most people ventured out only if absolutely necessary. But that’s how Steinhauer feels about her job delivering for Meals on Wheels.
“Some people will say, in the winter, that we will be the only person that comes and checks on them,” said Steinhauer.
On Wednesday, winter seemed far away. Even in a affluent town like Livermore, there are older homes with no air conditioning. Judy Ricks lives in one of them. For the past few days, she had relied on a ceiling fan and an old window swamp cooler to try to stay cool.