Monday, August 9, 2010
SFS kicks Off “Be A Cool-Giver” Campaign
Residents asked to donate fans to elderly and shut-ins
Due to recent extreme temperatures in the area that have resulted in great discomfort for many, and a serious risk to the health of others, organizers of Santa for Seniors, along with other concerned residents, are issuing a plea for the donation of fans, air conditioners, and funds to help with electric bills for local shut-ins and at-risk individuals.
Forecasters see no immediate end to the upper-90s temperatures we have been experiencing for several weeks. Factoring in the heat index translates into an even more dangerous environment for those at-risk for heat-related illnesses.
Take a moment to ponder this fact – many of our elderly residents live off a Social Security check that may amount to as little as $75 per month. Living on fixed incomes that allow for the purchase of only the most basic necessities, and not all of those, our elderly and disabled often live without the luxury of air conditioning. In fact, many live without even the comfort, or this time of year the necessity, of a simple fan.
In addition to possibly not being able to afford an air conditioner or fan, those on such a tremendously restricted budget who actually have these items often will not run them for fear of causing their power bill to be too high for them to pay. They live in a constant state of hyper-vigilance, ever worried that their bills will be too much to bear.
Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out that, “Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure…
“Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk.”
Under the “Be a Cool-giver” campaign, we implore those who have a fan that is not used, or those who would like to donate a new one, to drop it off during business hours at WLX radio station, 1212 North Locust Avenue. (Air conditioners will also be accepted, however if they are very large you might wish to call ahead!) Volunteers will then distribute the fans to those at great risk. Anyone wishing to donate funds to assist with bills may also stop by WLX, or take the funds directly to God’s Storehouse on Frank Street. All monies will be distributed through that agency.
For additional information you may call: 629-5927, 629-0240, or 629-2181. (Please do not call the radio station!!)
REMEMBER:
***Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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