A Free Fan to Beat the Heat

On the day that summer was officially beginning, Salina residents were being offered a way stay cool. The Salina Salvation Army, with some help from Westar Energy, on Tuesday was offering people without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather, a free fan.

Volunteers from Westar Energy delivered 300 fans to the Salvation Army facility in Salina, and then set up shop and helped distribute them. The Westar Energy In Motion trailer was on hand. It was staffed by customer service specialists who provided account assistance, energy efficiency tips, and even a bottle of cold water.

Westar Corporate Community Affairs Manager Cynthia McCarvel told KSAL News that the free fan effort in Salina was part of a larger statewide effort to deliver fans to those who need them.

 

Captain Lynn Lopez from the Salina Salvation Army told KSAL News that the fans are much appreciated, and much needed. Lopez explained that on hot days this summer she is opening the Salvation Army facility in Salina as a heat relief center.

 

Not only is Lopez providing a heat relief center, she is going a step further. On days where it is dangerously hot she will take her agency’s mobile unit out in the community, specifically looking for those in need of a cold drink and way to beat the heat.

Westar’s local gift of fans is part of a $60,000 fan contribution distributed throughout the communities it serves.

Fans help relieve sweltering summer heat, but some days finding an air-conditioned space is the safest option. Stay aware of these heat safety tips and signs of heat illness.

HEAT SAFETY

  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid problems by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING

Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if some shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.