To help the elderly stay cool, the General Supply True Value Hardware Store in Texarkana, Texas, donated 40 fans Thursday with a total value of $1,082.
Owner and store manager Vinod K. Doolabh and his wife, Bhagvati, made the donations.
"This year, 20 fans were presented to Katie Stone representing Encompass Hospice. Another 20 fans were presented to Ermer Poindexter and Tracie Lee representing the cities of Texarkana, Ark., and Texas for distribution to the needy seniors and elderly," Doolabh said.
Summer heat can be deadly. Here are some tips for keeping cool on hot days from the Federal Emergency Management Agency website at fema.gov:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters and shopping malls. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
Keeping cool in the summer heat is about more than staying comfortable-it's about staying alive.