Mecklenburg County is offering free box fans to eligible residents as high temperatures continue in the region through at least July 30. The program, run by the county’s Services for Adults division, is available to seniors aged 60 and older as well as adults ages 18 to 59 who receive disability income. Proof of age and a current Mecklenburg County address are required, with a limit of one fan per person.
Residents can call 980-314-6800 or email [email protected] for more information about receiving a fan.
In addition to the fan program, several agencies including Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, and local homeless service providers are coordinating efforts to help people cope with extreme heat. Free transportation is being provided by the Charlotte Area Transit System to designated cooling stations such as day services centers, recreation centers, senior centers, and spraygrounds.
Day services centers open during this period include Roof Above’s Day Services Center on North College Street, Block Love Charlotte’s Day Services Center on North Graham Street, The Relatives: On Ramp for young adults on Freedom Drive (weekdays only), and Salvation Army Center of Hope on Spratt Street. Outreach staff will also visit homeless encampments to provide information about relief locations and water.
Recreation and senior centers throughout Mecklenburg County are open for those seeking relief from the heat. These include David B. Waymer Recreation Center in Huntersville; Eastway Regional Recreation Center; Ivory/Baker Recreation Center; Northern Regional Recreation Center in Cornelius; Revolution Park Sports Academy; and Tyvola Senior Center in Charlotte.
Spraygrounds at Clark’s Creek Park, Cordelia Park, First Ward Park, Latta Park, Nevin Park, West Charlotte Recreation Center, and Veterans Park are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional water attractions include Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center (open select days), Cordelia Pool (open select days), and Ramsey Creek Beach (open Wednesday through Sunday afternoons).
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches are generally open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Energy bill assistance is available year-round or until funds run out through the Crisis Intervention Program for those experiencing energy-related emergencies or financial hardship. Details can be found at MeckNC.gov/Energy or by calling 704-336-3000. Residents may also call 211 for information about utility or rental assistance options.
Public Health officials advise residents to take precautions against heat-related illness by limiting outdoor activity, drinking water, staying cool indoors or in shaded areas outside, wearing light clothing, and avoiding alcohol use. High-risk groups include older adults over age 65, infants and children, pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, outdoor workers, and urban residents.
Community members interested in helping can contact organizations such as HeartsfortheInvisibleCLT.org, RoofAbove.org, SalvationArmyCharlotte.org, BlockLoveCLT.org or TheRelatives.org for donation opportunities.
Mecklenburg County schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students in the 2022-23 school year according to state data https://www.dpi.nc.gov/. Enrollment dropped by 0.4% compared to the previous year https://www.dpi.nc.gov/.
“Heat illness can be dangerous but it is preventable with the right precautions and reversible with the right treatment,” according to Public Health guidance included in the announcement.
