CNBNews

To help senior citizens beat the heat this summer, the Board of Commissioners is once again distributing free fans and window unit air conditioners to residents aged 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less.

“We are finally getting into the summer weather here in Camden County and things are warming up quickly,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Division of Senior Services which oversees the program.  “Starting today, temperatures are nearing 100 degrees, we must make sure that everyone, especially our seniors, have access to fans and air conditioning. This heat can be extremely dangerous, but the Division of Senior Services is working to ensure that no one will have to brace this heat without cooling measures.”

To qualify for a fan or air conditioners, residents:

• Must be 60 years of age or older
• Cannot have working air conditioning units in their home
• Cannot have received a fan from Camden County in the past three years

Camden City residents in need of fans can call (856) 757-7285 or email [email protected].

During the hottest days of summer here are tips for senior citizens:

• Wear lightweight clothing and avoid strenuous activity in the hot sun or in other hot areas. 
• If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. 
• A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from the intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
• Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician.
• Some medications can cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.  

The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness, and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing.  People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention.  While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person.  In an emergency, dial 911.

To request a fan or air conditioner, to obtain more information, please call the Camden County Division of Senior Services at (856) 858-3220.

The Camden County Department of Senior Services can also assist seniors with an application for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LiHeap.)

Senior Citizens United Community Services Inc. (SCUCS,) 856-456-1121, and Comfort Partners, 1-888-773-8326, can assist with air conditioning repairs.