Despite a brief reprieve from the searing, skin-penetrating heat, meteorologists predict the weather in metro Atlanta and North Georgia will quickly return to near-triple digit temperatures along with the oppressive humidity. And it’s not even August yet.
To offset the affects of the unforgiving, unrelenting heat that can make casualties out of low-income senior citizens particularly, the city of Atlanta is partnering with SCANA Energy to keep Atlanta’s elderly cool by distributing 500 fans to low-income senior citizens. First Lady Sarah Elizabeth Reed, the Office of Constituent Services and Atlanta Fire and Rescue today announced the partnership with SCANA Energy to provide Atlanta’s seniors with fans to help them stay cool this summer.
This is the thirteenth consecutive year that SCANA Energy has donated 500 fans to the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services for distribution to low-income, elderly residents. Fans were distributed today at the Pittman Park Recreation Center in Southwest Atlanta. Mrs.Reed also delivered fans to home bound seniors.
“Atlanta’s seniors are vital to our city, and it is important we do everything we can to ensure they stay cool and safe this summer,” said First Lady Sarah Elizabeth Reed. “The city values our 13-year partnership with SCANA Energy. Their donation of the new fans helps to ensure that our most vulnerable residents remain comfortable during the hot summer months.”
Atlanta’s summertime temperatures make fan giveaways especially important. People 65 years old and older are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses: Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature; They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat; and    they are more likely to take prescription medications that inhibit perspiration or impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
“SCANA Energy is proud and honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Mayor Kasim Reed, the City of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department,” said George Devlin, vice president and general manager of SCANA Energy. “We are pleased to donate five hundred fans again this year to provide much needed cooling relief to low-income,elderly residents of Atlanta.” In the midst the high temperatures plaguing the city, Mayor Kasim Reed is keeping cooling stations open to help residents beat the heat. The stations are open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department is offering free bottled water at all fire stations,and the staff of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent continues to visit seniors in various neighborhoods, delivering water and checking on their needs. Â The cooling stations are located at:
- Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center 250 Georgia Avenue, S.E.Atlanta, GA 30312. (404) 658-6395
- J.C. Burdine 215 Lakewood Way, S.E.Atlanta, GA 30315 (404) 658-7855.
- Old Adamsville Emergency Shelter 3403 Delmar Lane Atlanta, GA 30331.
To request a fan or for further assistance, please contact the City of Atlanta Office of Constituent Services at 404-330-6023.
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