Electric Fan Giveaway Announced 
to Help Residents Fight the Heat

June 30, 2022

Some relief from the summer heat is being offered to Wilmington’s seniors beginning, Thursday, June 30, when the City starts distributing FREE electric fans to eligible residents. Mayor Mike Purzycki and Constituent Services Director Jennifer Prado announced today that FREE fans will be given away Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, on the 3^rd floor of the Redding Government Building at 800 North French Street.

FREE fan guidelines include:

•Recipients must be City residents and must be 65 years of age or older

•Recipients also must show proof of age and residency and cannot have received a FREE fan in 2021

Residents are advised not to use an electric fan when the temperature outside is higher than 95 degrees because this can increase the risk of heat-related illness. While fans create airflow, they can also provide a false sense of comfort which does not actually reduce body temperature.

 

Here are some tips for keeping yourself, family, and neighbors safe in extreme heat:

•Make a special effort to check on neighbors, especially if they are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or living alone.

•Never leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in a parked car under ANY circumstances, not even for a few minutes. Brain damage or death can occur from the rapid rise of temperature inside of a vehicle in a matter of minutes.

•Drink plenty of water; 1 to 1-1/2 quarts daily is recommended to prevent dehydration. Fruit juices and juice drinks are also good choices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine since they dehydrate the body.

•Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. If you must go outside during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.

•Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities. Take extra precautions if you must work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours and take frequent rest breaks.

•Stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible. Find places in your community where you can get cool, such as libraries, shopping malls, and community centers.

•Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses [cdc.gov] such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call 9-1-1 immediately.