People without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather can receive fans from the Salina Salvation Army. According to the agency, they will make fans available to several groups of people.

The fans will be distributed on Tuesday, June 20th. The following groups can pick up fans during the following hours:

• Elderly and disabled 10:30am – 11:30am
• Families with children 11:30am – 12:30pm
• Single adults 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Applicants need to bring ID and proof of residence.  The fans can be picked up at the Salvation Army facility in Salina at 1137 N. Santa Fe.

Expanding its annual donation, Westar Energy provided 295 fans to be given away in Salina.

“The Salvation Army is helping us reach some of the most vulnerable members of our communities and help them stay safe during the heat of summer,” said Cynthia McCarvel, corporate community affairs manager for Westar Energy.  “Expanding this program allows us to reach more homes and help those in need.”

The fans are intended for elderly and disabled who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home and cannot afford to purchase one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan.

The Westar Energy In Motion trailer will also be on hand and staffed by customer service specialists who can provide account assistance, energy efficiency tips and even a bottle of water.

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.

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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.