North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

Operation Fan / Heat Relief

2011 Operation Fan Heat Relief Now Underway



Raleigh: Operation Fan/Heat Relief – a summer fan distribution program that operates each year throughout North Carolina – is now under way. This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the program that began in 1986 managed by the Division of Aging and Adult Services in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

“For many years, Dominion Resources, Duke Energy, Progress Energy and the Valassis Giving Committee have donated generously to support this important program,” Dennis Streets, Division of Aging and Adults Services Director said. “The program is successful because of the concerted efforts of the 17 regional Area Agencies on Aging and the local aging and adult service provider agencies which purchase and make fans available to eligible people.”

Last year, donations totaled $135,500.000 and with these funds, 8,435 fans and 83 air conditions were purchased. In certain counties, air conditioners are made available for adults with more serious health problems. There is no public money associated with this project.

People who are 60 or older or adults with disabilities are eligible to receive one fan per year to help alleviate heat problems within their home. “This is much more than a comfort issue as it really helps protect the health and safety of some of our most vulnerable citizens living in communities across North Carolina,” Streets said.

More information on local provider agencies distributing the fans can be found on the web, by calling the regional Area Agency on Aging or contacting the local aging agency.

For more information, contact your local aging organization or Nancy Evans at the Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Hot Weather Tips for Seniors

Talk with your doctor and be aware of the medications you take and know for example that painkillers can reduce awareness of the heat and diuretics which promote fluid loss can lead to dehydration more often during hot weather.  In addition to using electric fans, the following tips should be observed to reduce heat-related problems:

• Cool off by taking baths or showers or placing ice bags or wet towels on the body.
• Stay out of direct sunlight, put shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate.
• Drink plenty of liquids such as water, fruit or vegetable juices and iced tea to replace the fluids lost by sweating. As a person ages, thirst declines. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages or fluids that have too much salt, since salt can complicate existing medical problems, such as high blood pressure.
• Eat small meals and eat more often and avoid foods that are high in protein which increases metabolic (body) heat
• Keep you medicines in a cool dry place
• Check up on friends or neighbors who live alone
• This can also be a good time to join your local senior center or take advantage of buildings made accessible to seniors during excessive heat.   Your community’s public information office can be contacted for additional information.
• Take the heat seriously, and do not ignore danger signs like nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, confusion, labored breathing, chest discomfort, and rapid or erratic pulse.  They can all be signs of trouble.  Get to a cool place, drink cool water slowly and seek medical help if conditions don’t improve.

Other hot weather tips from The American Red Cross




Last updated June 7, 2011

Operation Fan Heat Relief by County

Fact Sheet

 Hyperthermia
"A hot weather hazard for older people"