Fans donated to help elderly stay cool, beat the heat this summer

Published 7:26 pm Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The temperature outside is in the 90s, and it looks like it’s going to remain that way for the upcoming weeks ahead. It’s the kind of weather that makes it tough to spend a lot of time outside and makes it vital to have a place to cool down.

The Be A Fan of the Elderly Project is helping senior citizens in Selma beat the heat by supplying them fans. The nine-year-old project, which is sponsored by Selma-Dallas Youth Ambassadors, helps locals who struggle to run their air conditioning because of the effect it has on their power bill.

It’s a constant battle we all face — comfort versus energy costs — and one that will wage on as the summer lags on.

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The Center for Disease Control lists numerous tips to prevent heat related illnesses, but many of them highlight the importance of drinking fluids and finding a way or place to keep cool.

For instance, the CDC says to drink more fluids than normal when in the heat, regardless of one’s activity level.  If it gets really hot in your house, taking a cold shower or bath, or just simply finding a place that has air conditioning can make a big difference, says the CDC.

During this weather it’s extremely important to keep a close eye on elderly neighbors, friends and family during the final months of summer. Right now it’s a battle for everyone to stay cool, while also keeping the power bill manageable, but it’s an even tougher battle for senior citizens. Those age 65 and older are at a greater risk for heat related illnesses.

Those numbers illustrate how the Be A Fan of the Elderly Project is making a difference in Selma. Who knows how many lives they’ve affected just by simply donating fans to those in need?

To donate fans or money to the project, call the city council at 874-1234.