The Little Rock metro area has one of the highest Vehicle Miles Traveled in the country, at 38.9 miles per person per day. (Liveability Index Brochure) Unfortunately, transportation is also the largest source of carbon emissions in Central Arkansas. To combat this, active transportation is one solution. However, with the recent high temperatures, it can be challenging to stay active. That’s why the City of Little Rock is seeking volunteers to help collect environmental data about the hottest and coolest places in our city. The data collected during the one-day heat mapping campaign will be used to develop heat index maps of Little Rock (similar to the Houston Example) and address heat-related vulnerabilities across Central Arkansas. Would you like to volunteer to help your community?
What will volunteers do?
The city is looking for kind-hearted individuals who would be willing to drive along specific routes in Little Rock for three one-hour periods on a scorching day. You’ll be given a user-friendly data-collection device that will be attached to your vehicle. Furthermore, you can also volunteer as a navigator to help guide drivers along their route.
Are there any requirements to volunteer?
Drivers will need a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to a vehicle. In addition to the three hours of data collection, volunteers will first be asked to attend a one-hour Volunteer Training Session, complete a short knowledge quiz, and sign a liability waiver. Based on previous campaigns, volunteers will donate a total of 3 hours to the campaign, which includes training, and the pick-up/drop-off and installation of sensor equipment.
On what day will the heat mapping campaign occur?
That will depend on the weather forecast. Heat mapping is best done on a hot temperature and clear-skied day. Using historical weather patterns, and support from the National Weather Service, the target campaign date for Little Rock is August 19th. While weather does change, this selected campaign date will be confirmed about one week prior, as forecasts become more reliable.
Because we must wait for the heat—and the fact that summer is such a busy time—we need to assemble an “on-call” roster of volunteers — which means that we’ll want more people signing up than we need. We will confirm your participation about one week prior to the campaign once we finalize the date.
If you are interested in participating in this opportunity or would like to learn more, please respond to the Volunteer Intake Form:
https://www.volunteermark.com/city-of-little-rock/heat-mapping-day-1688079545968
