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North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services

   

Operation Fan / Heat Relief

    Operation Fan / Heat Relief is a special project which began in 1986 with donations from utility companies to assist seniors in North Carolina cope with summer’s sizzling heat.  The utility companies: Dominion North Carolina Power, Duke Energy Foundation and Progress Energy Foundation and Valassis Communications continue to make yearly donations to support the project.  “Chronic health problems in older persons require medication that can affect the body’s natural defenses against heat and humidity” according to Dennis Streets, Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services.  “These fans can be a lifesaver for some and help all recipients stay more comfortable and healthier in their own home.”

    For more information, contact your local aging organization or Nancy Evans at the Division of Aging and Adult Services.

    Hot Weather Tips for Seniors

    Talk with your doctor and be aware of the medications you take and know for example that painkillers can reduce awareness of the heat and diuretics which promote fluid loss can lead to dehydration more often during hot weather.  In addition to using electric fans, the following tips should be observed to reduce heat-related problems:

      • Cool off by taking baths or showers or placing ice bags or wet towels on the body.
      • Stay out of direct sunlight, put shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.
      • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate.
      • Drink plenty of liquids such as water, fruit or vegetable juices and iced tea to replace the fluids lost by sweating. As a person ages, thirst declines. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages or fluids that have too much salt, since salt can complicate existing medical problems, such as high blood pressure.
      • Eat small meals and eat more often and avoid foods that are high in protein which increases metabolic (body) heat
      • Keep you medicines in a cool dry place
      • Check up on friends or neighbors who live alone
      • This can also be a good time to join your local senior center or take advantage of buildings made accessible to seniors during excessive heat.   Your community’s public information office can be contacted for additional information.
      • Take the heat seriously, and do not ignore danger signs like nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, confusion, labored breathing, chest discomfort, and rapid or erratic pulse.  They can all be signs of trouble.  Get to a cool place, drink cool water slowly and seek medical help if conditions don’t improve.

    Other hot weather tips from The American Red Cross


     

 


Extreme Heat Exposure

Operation Fan Heat Relief by County

Fact Sheet

 Hyperthermia
"A hot weather hazard for older people"