COLUMBUS, Ohio – Forecasters are warning central Ohio residents that the hottest weather of the summer is in store this week, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses.
Temperatures are expected to be in the 90’s every day this week and, with high humidity, the heat indices are predicted to hit nearly 100.
Extreme hot weather raises concern for those who cannot afford air-conditioning and who may be suffering from health problems and there are programs available to help those people stay cool.
Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to the heat because they often do not have AC and leave doors and windows closed because of security concerns, LifeCare Alliance CEO Charles Gehring said.
The organization’s Beat the Heat program collects donated fans and distributes them to those in need. The campaign collected and distributed 4,000 fans last year.
“Franklin County has had zero heat-related deaths the past four summers now,” Gehring said and he credits the donated fan program with that success, pointing out that 40 deaths were blamed on the heat in Philadelphia last year and 16 in Memphis.
“A $19.95 box fan…can save a life,” he said.
New fans can be donated to any fire station in Franklin and Madison counties until September 1.
LifeCare Alliance volunteers move the fans to the distribution facility to be picked-up by the individuals and families who need them most. To receive a fan, call the fan hotline at (614) 437-2870.
LifeCare Alliance is an in-home health care agency that provides a multitude of services for seniors, and medically challenged individuals.
The state’s Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit up to $175 toward the purchase of an air conditioner or fan, or to be put toward an electric bill. To qualify, households must have a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines, about $40,000 for a family of four. The program starts today (July 1) and runs through August 31st.
To apply, residents need to contact their local community action agency or call the Ohio Development Services Agency consumer hotline at 1-800-282-0880.