Fans needed to keep elderly safe this summer

The nearly 70 fans that were donated in the past week to the Aging Commission of the Mid-South left officials wondering if they would be able to meet the needs of those they serve.

While they are expecting more donations to come from organizations such as the Professional Network on Aging and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, officials are looking to the public for more help.

National Weather Service officials said the projected weather for summer looks to be on par with 2012’s heat wave. The hottest days of summer last year reached 103 degrees on June 29 and July 5, said meteorologist Marlene Mickelson. She said 99 degrees on August 8 was that month’s high.

So far this summer, the hottest day was June 27 when it was 97 degrees. Wednesday was hottest day so far this month when the temperature topped out at 95 degrees.

Dora Ivey, executive director of the Aging Commission of the MidSouth, said the commission, a department within Shelby County Government, distributes about 800 fans a year. Now, the commission has 146.

She said those on fixed incomes may not turn on air conditioners in their homes, despite the rise in temperature.

“Fans make a lot of sense for senior citizens and disabled,” Ivey said. “They can just plug them in and they don’t have to worry about their electric bills going up.”

Ivey said the fan program gives to those who qualify, but if they don’t get donations they won’t have enough.

“We’re the middle men that make it all happen and need more fans,” she said. “We have to get through the rest of July and all of August.”

For donation information call 901-222- 4100.