CINCINNATI — It's finally summer. As temperatures climb and humidity rates rise, this can mean dangerous weather is coming for many households in the Tri-State area.
For families with homes that don't come equipped with air conditioning, there isn't much of an escape from the rising summer temperatures. For older residents, or people with health issues, this can make for a dangerous season.
It's because of this danger that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul hands out hundreds of free fans and air conditioning units each year. On Saturday, residents in the West End were able to pick up free fans to help keep their families a little cooler as muggy weather rolls in.
"They need them," said Terrisenia Denham, a resident in St. Bernard. "I've been in some houses and I'm telling you, the temperature is over like 103 on the inside. It's hot."
She said she often worries about her elderly neighbors when temperatures climb, especially if homes get hotter inside than it is outside.
Skip Tate, director of community relations with St. Vincent de Paul said when it gets hot inside a house, it can create serious health concerns for elderly people and those who already have health issues like heart disease, respiratory issues or diabetes.
On just Saturday, the organization gave out about 200 fans to families.
"When it gets this hot, it becomes a health issue," he said. "This is a way to at least cool you down a little bit. It can make a difference between life and death, it really can."
Last year, the organization handed out more than 950 fans and air conditioners to families in the Tri-State.
