North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

Operation Fan / Heat Relief 2013

Operation Fan/Heat Relief, a summer fan distribution program that operates each year throughout North Carolina, will begin May 1. The program that began in 1986 is managed by the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) 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, DAAS Director said. “The program is successful because of the concerted efforts of the 16 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 $85,500 and with these funds, 6,242 fans and 55 air conditions were distributed. 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 years of age or older and 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.

Information on local agencies distributing the fans can be found on the web at www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/fanheat.htm, by calling the regional Area Agency on Aging http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/aaa.htm or by contacting Nancy Evans, 919-855-3419, at the Division of Aging and Adult Services in Raleigh.

For more information go to: http://www.ready.gov/heat or http://www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/Preparedness/Resources_Individuals/Heat_Illness.aspx.

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 your 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

Last updated April 26, 2013

Operation Fan Heat Relief by County

Fact Sheet

 Hyperthermia
"A hot weather hazard for older people"