The last few days of spring have brought about a mid-summer heat wave in central North Carolina, prompting Orange County to take steps to help residents in need.

Temperatures have been in the mid-90s with the heat index cross triple digits so far this week.

The Orange County Department of Social Services and Department on Aging have implemented multiple programs in an attempt to reach “high-risk, vulnerable” county residents.

Individuals at or below 200 percent of the poverty level are eligible to apply for fans from DSS. For an individual, that income level is roughly $2,000 per month, while a family of four would have an income cutoff at approximately $4,000 per month.

An Emergency Assistance Program is also run by the department to help pay utility bills for residents who are in danger of having their electricity cut off, which would eliminate their air conditioning.

“The need for cooling assistance has already been high and temperatures are expected to steady for the next few days,” Orange County DSS director Nancy Coston said in a release. “Our primary concern is the health and safety of our vulnerable residents.”

Meanwhile, the Orange County Department on Aging also provides fans to residents 60 years old and older or individuals under 60 with a disability.

Orange County community relations director Todd McGee told WCHL that it is recommended residents call ahead to the specific agencies to ensure they have the required application and documentation to receive the assistance.

McGee said residents who are interested in donating new fans or making monetary donations can do that at either DSS location. All donations are tax deductible.

County residents in general should be aware of the dangers the heat can cause, McGee said.

If you notice yourself becoming nauseous or light-headed after being in the heat, “you definitely need to take steps to get out of the heat, get hydrated, get into some air conditioning and make sure that you are not exposing yourself to really a potentially fatal incident with heat stroke.”

The first official day of summer is Thursday, June 21. More information on the county assistance offerings is available here.

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