As hot as it is outside, it can be even worse if you're inside a house with no way to stay cool.
Senior citizens can find themselves in trouble if they don't run their air conditioning.
And the best way to check on them is to talk to them.
Meals on Wheels provides conversation free of charge.
"Some days we take flowers, and some days we take bread to seniors and you get a hug it's well worth it."
Bettendorf retiree Karen Platt has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for ten years now. And say's they provide more than a lunch.
"We ask them how they are and if they need something they know that they can depend on us everyday."
One of her favorite customers is Maxine Walston. She's pushing 96 years old. And lives in a mobile home with air conditioning.
"They want to take us out to eat, they're a couple of nice little ladies."
Walston doesn't rely on the Meals drivers to check on her well being. But Platt's driving partner Linda Glidewell says they still pay attention to each person at every stop.
"We're supposed to check and make sure that they're ok."
Glidewell says a simple knock on the front door reveals a lot.
"When we knock on the door they come to the door to get their meal, if they don't and the door's unlocked we go in and holler and make sure that they're ok, once in a while they fall asleep.
If a person doesn't answer, they make a note, and continue on with their deliveries. Reporting the absence to home base within two hours.
"When we come back to drop our bags off, we'll let the people know here, that they weren't at home. And then they will call and make contact with them."
And Platt says they'll offer more help on the weekends.
"Some of 'em don't have cars and we've told them if you want to go out and eat on the weekend, we'll come and get 'em and take 'em."
Meals on Wheels isn't the only group of people checking on people during heat waves.
Mail carriers provide that service while they're walking their route.
If they see a bunch of mail stacking up, they'll usually know something isn't right.
And if you're looking to help.
CASI is still collecting fans to give out to seniors.
