ROCKINGHAM — Operation Fan Heat Relief is in full swing at Rockingham Senior Center just in time for the hot temps of the summer season, and thanks to several generous donors, the center is giving away free box fans to qualifying elderly residents.
Richmond County Health Director Dr. Tommy Jarrell said relief from the heat is especially important for the the aged.
“Certainly they should try to stay indoors as much as possible during the heat of the day,” he said. “When it’s very hot and humid, it can become very uncomfortable inside the house if there is no air conditioning. The elderly, especially, should limit their exposure because they are so vulnerable.”
Jaqueline Welch, executive director of Richmond County Aging Services, said donations of fans have been steady in the past month.
“We received 41 fans yesterday,” she said. “They are intended to provide a more comfortable living environment and reduce heat-related illnesses such as heat strokes. Elderly people can become disoriented by the heat. A lot of people sit in their homes and maybe can’t afford to run the air, so they don’t realize how hot it’s getting. The fans keep them cooler.”
Richmond county residents age 60 and up who “have a home situation where a threat to health and well-being exists” can bring their most recent power bill and a photo ID to the senior center at 225 S. Lawrence Street if they are in need of a fan.
Welch said donations from BB&T downtown, Ellerbe Lions Club, county commissioner Jimmy Capps and “an anonymous private citizen” have provided several dozen fans, but she expects them to go quickly.
To donate new-in-box fans, call 910-997-4491 or bring them to the senior center located beside the Rockingham Fire Department. Hours are Mon-Thur, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @meloniemclaurin.
