The summer of 2018 is already off to a particularly hot start and we still have months to go before cooler weather arrives for good. For those living in Atrium Health communities who may need assistance, here’s a list of resources that can help provide relief to those in need.

News, Your Health | 5 years ago

Beat the Heat with these Cooling Relief Resources

With months to go before cooler weather arrives for good, those living in Atrium Health communities who may be at risk of suffering a heat-related illness can get assistance from local organizations who are providing cooling resources to beat the heat. 

With calendar changing over to July, we've now reached the hottest month of the year with highs regularly topping out in the mid-to-upper 90 degrees and lows falling back only to the low 70s. It's a typically vulnerable time for those who have heart conditions or suffer from respiratory distress during typically the hot summer months may be at even greater risk this year of being impacted by poor air quality and high outdoor temperatures. 

It’s important for the residents of our local communities to stay cool, hydrated and make sure they’re taking all appropriate steps to mitigate the effects of the heat. Thankfully, our area has several organizations that can provide everything from water to fans and help with high air-conditioning bills over the summer. Here’s a list of who might be able to help in your neighborhood. 

Heat-Relief Resources

  • Atrium Health’s community resource hub provides an easy way to access local programs and services. 
  • Carolina Community Actions in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and York County provides access to free fans. For more information, call 803-329-5195.
  • NC 2-1-1 offers programs that pay for or provide new or reconditioned fans that people can use during hot weather. Some services are only available for older adults or persons with disabilities. For more information, visit nc211.org and click on “Summer Heat Relief.” Or call 2-1-1 to talk to a specialist.
  • Crisis Assistance Ministry offers several summer resources for those in need, including free fans and assistance in paying for air conditioning bills. For more information, call 704-371-3001.
  • Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is giving away free fans at its 20 recreation and senior centers. Senior adults, ages 60 and better, and adults, ages 18 to 59 who receive disability income, will be able to pick up a fan while supplies last. 
  • Operation Fan and Heat Relief provides a more comfortable living environment and reduces heat-related illnesses for older adults and adults with disabilities. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging and Adult Services partners with the N.C. Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to make this program possible. The program is available May 1 through Oct. 31. 
  • Operation Reach Out in Monroe conducts "Operation Breeze" to provide fans for those who do not have air conditioning. For more information, call 704-289-4237. 
  • Red Cross Emergency App offers instant access to customizable weather alerts, safety tips, and preparedness information for 14 different emergencies, including heat waves. There are sections where you can learn how to prepare for a heat wave, both right before and during the event. 

Agency

County

Pays Electric Bills for Air Conditioning

Opens Facilities to Clients to Escape the Heat

Provides Bottled Water

East Burke Christian Ministry

BURKE

X

 

 

Salvation Army Concord

CABARRUS

X

X

X

Help Ministries of Troutman Inc.

IREDELL

X

 

 

The Bridge at Green Street

SPARTANBURG

X

 

 

Union Road Church

GASTON

X

X

 

Samaritan House

MECKLENBURG

X

X

X

Rowan Helping Ministries

ROWAN

X

 

 

Stanly Community Christian Ministry

STANLY

X

 

 

Crisis Assistance Ministry

GASTON

X

 

 

Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry

CLEVELAND

X