Volunteers are needed to drive along predetermined routes in the Houston and Harris County area over three separate one-hour periods during a hot day, typically 6-7 a.m., 3-4 p.m., and 7-8 p.m. Volunteers will use a simple data-collection device attached to their vehicle. You can also volunteer as a navigator and help direct drivers’ turns along their route. Ideally, drivers will need to cover the same route for all three shifts.
Data are collected using a sensor mounted to the passenger side of a car (note: the sensor is held in place by the window; nothing is permanently affixed to the car). The sensor records the ambient temperature, humidity, and GPS every one second as volunteers transport the device through pre-planned routes, or “traverses”.
The exact date of the campaign will depend on the weather forecast. Heat mapping is best done on a hot temperature (when the expected daily high temperature is within the top 10% of annual averages) and clear-skied day. Using historical weather patterns, and support from the National Weather Service, the 2024 Houston and Harris County Team's H3AT Mapping Campaign took place on August 10th.
The campaign date is confirmed about one week prior to the target date, as weather forecasts become more reliable. Because we have to 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 will want more people signing up than we need. We will confirm your participation about one week prior to the campaign, when we finalize the date.
Are there any requirements as a volunteer?
All volunteers will be required to sign a liability release waiver. Volunteers also need to participate in a virtual volunteer orientation before the date of the campaign. Drivers will need a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and automotive insurance.
In addition to the three hours of data collection on Campaign Day, volunteers will first be asked to review a video, complete a knowledge-check quiz, and participate in a short online training session and follow up discussion. Based on previous campaigns, volunteers spend an average of 4.5 hours of their time on the campaign over three weeks, though the majority of time (~3.5 hours) will occur on the selected campaign day.
Do I get to choose where I drive or help navigate?
More than likely, yes. Volunteers are asked to identify their preferred driving areas once confirmed as a participant. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences.
Is compensation available for community volunteers?
ExxonMobil has generously donated compensation towards gas and grocery cards for volunteers.
