Keep the Heat On

BY BRIAN J. LOWNEY, 1/12/12

PROVIDENCE – When Kathleen’s husband was hospitalized last week with tremors, she knew that he could not return to a cold house.

After being rushed to the hospital twice on the same day, several medical tests determined that the 53 year-old dialysis patient needed to have his medication adjusted, and was told that it was crucial that he stay warm once he returned home.

Despite unseasonably warm temperatures for this time of year, in which the National Weather Service Forecast Office, as of Tuesday, has recorded an average daily temperature in Providence this month of 34 degrees – compared to 26 degrees for Jan., 2011; 29 degrees for Jan. 2010; and 24 degrees for Jan., 2009 – many Rhode Islanders continue to have difficulty heating their homes.

Read More