Necessity Of Heat Ad Questioned

A full page, color advertisement in Monday’s El Paso Times reminds everyone to drink water, but at the expense of more than $1,000 some question if the advertisement is really necessary.

Public health officials say definitely, because extreme heat is considered a public health concern.

City Public Health Preparedness Coordinator Joanne Bates says the cost $1,200.

“This ad was paid for with grant funding dollars and no tax payer dollars were used,” said Bates.

Even though no tax dollars were used, some El Pasoans think people still need a reminder on how to keep cool.

“Certainly an essential thing to do during this kind of weather,” one person said.

” People need to be a little more cognizant of the heat when they do outdoor activities that’s for sure,” said another.

As was the case Sunday in record breaking heat, El Paso fire officials rescued a woman and two men — all in their 20’s — from the mountain near Mesa Hills and Stanton.

The hikers said they had run out of water and needed help getting down the mountain.

“Probably would have been a good idea to bring extra water along or to even limit those activities for when its cooler outside, ” said Bates.

The ad’s message is for everyone.

But especially for young children, people who work outdoors , those who exercise outdoors and the elderly.

“The best defense against heat is prevention,” said Bates.

So, if the add helps save one life…then it’s definitely worth it.

Look for one more ad on June 21st in the El Paso Times.

It will have the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses.