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Volunteers keep seniors cool in hazardous temps

7/13/2006

KVUE.com - June 13, 2006. video

DALLAS - While temperatures have begun to rise to 100 degrees, the need to cool down has also risen.

As Laura Owens, a senior citizen, washed off some plates, she said she really doesn't mind cleaning the dishes as long as she is working in a cool home.

Owens said she struggled in 2005 to keep safely cool in her house.

"I didn't know [the air conditioning] was out because you could still hear it running, and it was so hot in here we couldn't sleep," Owens said. "Well, I really thought I was going to die. I got so hot I just about passed out."

In 2006, Owens received some helping hands to make sure she didn't end up in another dangerous situation. However, she said she knows she isn't the only one who needs assistance.

"[There] are a lot of senior citizens that are in the same predicament I was in last year and nobody knows about it," she said. "And they can't get help, and that's why a lot of senior citizens pass out you find them dead."

Many technicians who understand that the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat often donate their time for free by checking air conditioners for problems.

One such technician volunteered his time to help Owens by checking up on her air conditioning system, and he also offered other some advice.

"The filter needs to be changed frequently," said David Boyle, general manager of Service Experts. "The rerigerant needs to be checked. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way to keeping it going."

Senior Source workers said men such as Boyle mean a lot to senior citizens in need.

"We get calls every day from so many seniors struggling to stretch their dollars just to pay for basic expenses," said Myra Richmond, Senior Source. "So, this is almost a luxury."

Owens said she is grateful for the volunteers that have helped her during the hot summers.

"I appreciate it," Owens said. "I appreciate everything. God bless them all."