Summer is here and the list of senior citizens who need help to beat the heat and stay healthy is already growing, local advocates say.

“It is now nearly summer and the temperature is rising,” says Rachel Cox, spokeswoman for the Council on Aging of West Florida. “We have about 30 individuals on the waiting list. In addition to donations of fans/AC units, we are also requesting monetary donations so that we can purchase fans/AC units as needed.”

Cox points to information from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says senior citizens are especially at risk from heat related health problems.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults, especially those taking medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, should take the following precautions:

• — Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• — Do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.
• — Don’t wait until they’re thirsty to drink. Drink more water than usual.
• — Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for them.
• — Don’t use the stove or oven to cook. It will make them and their house hotter.
• — Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• — Take cool showers/baths to cool down.
• — Check the local news for health and safety updates.
• — Seek medical care immediately if they have, or someone they know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.

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Fronie Gatson, an 86-year-old who lives alone, is grateful to have received an air conditioning unit recently.

Her house unit went out a few years ago. She has small window units in her bedroom and kitchen, but the new unit is in her den, where she watches TV.

“I was getting very hot. I am so pleased with it. I thank God for it,” Gatson said. “You’ve got to close your door. If you don’t, somebody will walk in on you.”

Fans and air conditioning units aren’t the only way the Council on Aging is addressing the summer heat.

“We also have nearly 20 senior dining sites in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties that are air conditioned,” Cox said. “The senior dining site program offers seniors age 60 and older the opportunity to enjoy a noon time meal with others their age, and participate in activities that keep them active while staying out of the heat.”

The Council on Aging educates its volunteers that interact with seniors in their homes to recognize heat-related illnesses.

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Would you like to donate a face, air conditioning unit (with standard plug) or cash? Call the Council on Aging of West Florida at (850) 432-1475 or dropped off at the Council’s office at 875 Royce St., Pensacola.

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“Our foster grandparents and senior companions receive training packets so that they know how to beat the heat for themselves, but their clients as well,” Cox said. “We will be sending the cool tips sheet out with our Meals on Wheels volunteers.”

For some seniors, the issue may not be access to air conditioning and fans, but money to pay for the electricity to run them.

There are many ways Gulf Power customers can get help with their bills through local agencies such as the Salvation Army’s Project Share, says Gulf Power spokesman Jeff Rogers.

“We don’t offer any programs specifically for seniors, however we offer all of our customers the possibility of lowering their bills through our energy efficiency programs,” Rogers says.

Gulf Power customers may donate to Project Share through arranging deductions on their bills.  Currently, 2,722 Gulf Power accounts in Escambia County are enrolled in Project Share, Rogers said, while 1,144 accounts in Santa Rosa County are taking part.