Officials Distribute Hundreds Of Fans To Help Keep Elderly Cool

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EDDYSTONE, Pa (CBS) – High temperatures can be particularly hard on the elderly and those who are very young.

Delaware County's Office of Services for the Aging is shipping 300 fans to distribution points around the county.

They want the elderly to know these fans are available for free to help them stay a little cooler on hot days. The county also has extended hours at its air conditioned senior centers, and is working to identify those people in their area who are most vulnerable.

Eyewitness News spoke to some of the county workers who actually hand delivered the fans. Many of them are reportedly on fixed incomes, and often believe they don't need a fan.

"When you get older your blood changes," said Greta Dobbins. "And your cold a lot of the time."

Many program supporters like Dobbins handed out the fans due to personal connections. Dobbins says she had a friend die of a heat stroke.

The fan may not seem like much but many volunteers believe it has the potential to save lives.

For more information, contact COSA by calling the Information and Assistance service at (610) 490-1300.