Counties ask for fan donations to cool residents

Temperatures could reach 100 degrees Saturday, and Wake County Human Services is working to make sure senior citizens, the disabled and houses with children under age 12 will be kept cool.

Posted 9:01 p.m. Jun 19, 2009 — Updated 10:40 a.m. Jun 20, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. — Temperatures could reach 100 degrees Saturday, and Wake County Human Services is working to make sure senior citizens, the disabled and houses with children under age 12 will be kept cool.

“Right now, we have a supply of fans and a few air conditioning units, but it is very early in our season for heat,” said Regina Petteway with Wake County Human Services. “We expect that July will be pretty hot, so what we really need is for people to donate.”

Wake County doesn't spend any tax dollars on fans; it relies completely on donations. Durham County usually uses tax dollars, but budget constraints have prevented the county from doing that this year. Durham officials said they hope that changes come July 1 when the new fiscal year begins.

For relief, the county's senior centers are offering ice water, and the Parks and Recreation facilities are also open.

In Cumberland County, the best way to stay cool if you don't have air conditioning at home is to soak up some free AC. On Saturday, all the recreation centers and public libraries will have an open door policy for people who just need to cool off. Most are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To request a fan, call Wake County Human Services at 919-212-7000. If you would like to donate a fan or air conditioning unit, mail it to P.O. Box 46833, Raleigh, N.C. 27620.

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