Seniors looking for ways to stay cool during summer heat

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Extreme heat can be deadly to anyone, but it poses an even greater danger for older adults with chronic medical conditions.

The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center wants to help by giving away “box” fans.

More than 75 fans and two portable a-c units have been given out by the center as part of Operation Fan Heat Relief”, with dozens of other fans available for anyone who needs one.

Andrew Zeldin is the social work supervisor at the Senior Center.

He said fans won’t be given out to just anyone.

“We will, even if someone has access to air conditioning, it doesn’t mean that its working for them or it’s putting out that cool air so we’re able to provide,” Zeldin said. “You have to be 60 or older or someone with a disability. And we’re looking to serve, first and foremost, those people who don’t really have access to those things like air conditioning.”

People who are 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.