Volunteers Needed on August 9th for a 1-Day Heat Mapping Campaign in Erie County
It’s getting hotter in Erie County because of climate change – and we need your help to better understand the impact of extreme heat in our community.
Did you know that more people die in the US from extreme heat than from any other weather event? In the Buffalo region we are used to mild weather, which makes us especially vulnerable to heat waves. Many households lack air conditioning, and many people are not aware of the danger posed by heat, especially to the elderly or to those with health conditions like asthma.
As part of our Extreme Temperature Planning Project, Erie County is conducting a heat mapping study – and you can help!
The Delavan Grider Community Center is recruiting volunteers to help measure heat in our community.
Date: Saturday August 9 (“Rain day” August 10)
Time: Shifts begin at 5:45AM, 2:45PM, and 6:45pm. Each shift will begin with a 15 minute orientation, followed by the 1 hour drive
Training: Volunteers will need to participate in a 45 minute virtual training by prior to the event day. Date/time TBD.
Who: Drivers and Navigators must be volunteers 18 years old or older
License and vehicle: Drivers need to have a valid driver’s license and use their own vehicle. Navigators do not need a driver’s license.
How It Works
- Volunteer Drivers and Navigators will drive predetermined routes during three, 1-hour shifts, during a single day (2 volunteers per car).
- You may volunteer for 1, 2, or all 3 shifts.
- A sensor will be attached to the Driver's personal vehicle, and then they will use their vehicle to drive a predetermined route.
- During the drive the sensor will periodically record temperature, humidity and location.
- The resulting data will be used to model extreme heat in our community and help create better maps to understand where people are most impacted by heat.
- The event will be held on Saturday August 9, with a ‘rain day’ on Sunday August 10.
- The routes are at 6 AM, 3 PM, and 7 PM.
- Each shift consists of orientation, sensor installation, and 1 hour of driving, so plan on about 75 minutes/shift.
Frequently asked questions:
Who is hosting this event? Delavan Grider Community Center is hosting the event. Erie County, SUNY Buffalo, and CAPA Strategies are partnering to support to the event. The project is supported in part by the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.
Who is funding this project? This project is supported in part by the National Integrated Heat Health Information System and also by the Climate Smart Community Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
How old do I need to be to participate? All participants must be 18 years or older.
Do I need to have a car or driver’s license? Drivers must drive their own vehicle and have valid driver’s license. Navigators do not need a driver’s license
How much time will it take? All volunteers must participate in a 45-minute training a week before the event. On event day, plan on about 75 minutes per shift.
Will I be driving or riding with a stranger? If you and a friend sign up as volunteers, you may drive with that person. Otherwise, we will pair you with another citizen scientist volunteer.
Where will I drive? We will provide a detailed route for you to drive. Because it is hotter in urban areas, most of the routes are in Buffalo and the surrounding suburbs.
Will I be paid? We will offer modest stipend for volunteers.
Will you pay for my gas or for the use of my vehicle? We offer a stipend, which can help cover vehicle costs.
How will the sensor be installed on my car? The sensor is small, and quickly attaches to the passenger window of your vehicle.
Click here to learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and how to protect yourself and those around you from extreme heat.