Evergy & Salvation Army Join Forces to Beat the Heat
Wichita, KS June 22, 2022 – With the heat of summer upon us and taking its toll on our vulnerable neighbors in the community, The Salvation Army partners again this season with Evergy to help neighbors cope with the approaching dangerous temperature levels.
The Salvation Army will be distributing the donated fans for the elderly or individuals with disabilities without access to air conditioning and those who cannot afford to purchase a fan for themselves.
Fan distribution is Tuesday, June 28, at our Downtown Koch Center Area Command campus, 350 North Market (3rd & Market) from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Fans will available to Sedgwick County residents only, while they last. Recipients must provide ID (including ID for everyone in the household), and a utility bill (for proof of address).
“Many residents of our community do not have access to air conditioning, creating potentially dangerous situations during the summer months”, said South Central Area Commander, Major Merrill Powers. “Our partnership with Evergy will provide comfort and cooling to those in our neighborhoods facing physical or financial challenges.”
Evergy’s local gift of fans is part of their contribution of nearly 3,000 fans being distributed throughout the communities Evergy serves.
Fans help relieve sweltering summer heat, but some days finding an air-conditioned space is the safest option. Stay aware of these heat safety tips and signs of heat illness.
HEAT SAFETY
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
Eat small meals and eat more often.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS
Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Avoid problems by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.
If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING
Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
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Evergy
Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG), serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. Evergy’s mission is to empower a better future. Our focus remains on producing, transmitting and delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for the benefit of our stakeholders. Today, about half of Evergy’s power comes from carbon-free sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment. We value innovation and adaptability to give our customers better ways to manage their energy use, to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees, and to add value for our investors. Headquartered in Kansas City, our employees are active members of the communities we serve. Evergy online newsroom: newsroom.Evergy.com and media line 888.613.0003.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service