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Governor Kaine Announces 17th Year Of Fan Care For Virginia Seniors


WEBWIRE

* Dept. of Aging, Dominion Virginia Power, Wal-Mart lead program

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the beginning of the 17th consecutive year of Fan Care, a Virginia Department for the Aging and Dominion Virginia Power partnership that has provided more than 22,000 fans to senior citizens to help them stay comfortable during the summer.

Fan Care provides free fans to elderly Virginians who live within Dominion’s service area and who meet eligibility requirements. Fan Care is a public-private partnership administered by the Department for the Aging. Dominion is the primary sponsor, and the company donates $50,000 to the Fan Care program each year, most of which goes toward the purchase of fans. Limited funds are available to agencies to purchase air-conditioners for senior citizens with more serious health problems.

“This initiative helps low-income older citizens in Virginia keep cool each summer,” Governor Kaine said. “I am pleased the Commonwealth can partner again with Dominion in providing this resource to seniors.”

“Last season, more than 1,400 fans were distributed through the Fan Care program,” said Eva Teig Hardy, Dominion executive vice president-External Affairs & Corporate Communications. “Seniors are a vital part of our communities, and we must take care of them. Dominion is privileged to help in this viable program.”

Wal-Mart will again be a Fan Care partner, serving as the statewide retailer providing fans to local Area Agencies on Aging at a discounted rate. This discount will enable the program to purchase more fans with the available funds.

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans. To be eligible for the program, an individual must live in Virginia, be age 60 or older, have a need for cooling assistance, and meet income guidelines defined by the Area Agencies on Aging.

Those who are eligible can receive one fan per cooling season. The program will continue until September 30, or as long as funds last. Dominion invites other utilities, electric cooperatives, localities, and businesses to contribute as Fan Care partners. To inquire about eligibility, contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at (800) 552-3402.

Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by sending a check in any amount to the nearest Area Agency on Aging. Checks should be made payable to the agency. A list of agencies is available upon request. Organizations wishing to become Fan Care partners should contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at (800) 552-3402.

Dominion also offers these tips to help senior citizens stay cool during the summer heat:

* Stay indoors in a cool place, especially during the afternoon when temperatures are highest. If you must go outdoors, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Try to wear natural products such as cotton and avoid synthetics.
* Be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to stay inside when possible and keep them hydrated with plenty of water.
* Postpone activities that require hot water – such as washing dishes or clothes – to early morning or late evening. This will keep from adding more heat and humidity to the home.
* Avoid using your stove if possible.
* Turn off unnecessary lights during hot weather. They add to the heat in the home. Consider switching to cooler, energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs where light is needed.
* Use ceiling fans and portable floor fans to move the air around in the home. If the home does not have air conditioning, fans are essential for cooling.
* Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home and save energy.



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