Heat Holds City Hostage

Heat as stifling as it is right now poses hazards beyond mere temperature and humidity.

With heat shimmering off of 63rd street past Metro Patrol police station, the sergeant who leads investigations speaks from 17 years experience. Brad Lemon recalls having to go with the fire department up ladders, through second story windows to save heat victims.

"Over my years on the streets I've had several people who called 9-1-1, had ability to call at least, but not get out of the house, " he said. " But you get to the house, and you know, they've secured their house in such a manner it's almost impossible for anybody to get in with bars on their windows or deadbolts," the sergeant added.

Lemon suggests the older and the infirm stay with friends or relatives until the wave passes.