Friday, June 14, 2002

Fan drive, 'cooling sites' to help beat the heat

Senior citizens in Fulton County can keep cool this summer with free electric fans collected and distributed during "Operation Cool Breeze, from now through Aug. 30.

Additionally, persons age 55 and older can escape hot weather in the air-conditioned comfort of the county's 17 senior activity centers and facilities.

Fans can be taken to the county's three senior multipurpose facilities June 10-14 and subsequent weekdays through Aug. 30 during the times shown:

Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church Street, East Point, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road, NW, Atlanta, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The goal is to help protect the county's elderly from heat exhaustion, caused by excessive exposure to heat. They are vulnerable to this illness, which is characterized by nausea, mental confusion and excessive or no sweating.

For the nearest county senior activity center, or to report an elderly person who needs help getting heat relief, call 404-730-6000.