To receive a fan participants must be age 55 or older and present identification with a birth date on it. Fans will be distributed first come, first serve beginning at 9 a.m. Comcast-Spectacor Charities is picking up the cost of all of the fans to insure a free fan for the first 300 visitors to the Center.
Comcast-Spectacor volunteers will be on hand to distribute fans.
“In these extremely hot conditions, it’s important to make sure everyone has an opportunity to stay cool, especially the elderly,” said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. “Comcast-Spectacor has been participating in the Fan Fair for several years now and it is our pleasure to give back to the community which has been so supportive of us.”
As part of FAN FAIR outreach efforts, PSC has released the following heat advisory suggestions:
· Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
· Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
· Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose clothing. Wear a hat or use an umbrella.
· Spend as much time as possible in an air conditioned environment (like a senior center).
· Take additional cool baths and showers; use a spray bottle to sprinkle yourself with water.
· Travel when heat is less intense (morning hours).
· Check with your doctor about your medication or any illness you may have and any special directions he/she may have during the hot weather.
Philadelphia Senior Center has taken the lead in educating the community about the effects of the heat on the elderly since the tragic heat wave of 1995 when over 110 older adults perished. The Center, as well as other organizations throughout the area, responds to excessive heat warnings and predicted heat waves with efforts to reach those at risk.
The Center’s FAN FAIR program was developed in 1993 in response to an extended and deadly heat wave in Philadelphia. The program distributes fans to the elderly and has given away more than 8,000 fans since the start of FAN FAIR. FAN FAIR is an award-winning program which has been recognized locally and nationally and emulated by surrounding communities, hospitals and area agencies on aging. Other elements of PSC’s “beat the heat campaign” include staying open extended hours during heat emergencies, providing cold water in the lobby to all members and guests, distributing heat advisory suggestions to those who enter the building, and providing a refuge for those who don’t have air conditioning or a cool place during the day.
Philadelphia Senior Center’s commitment to the area’s older population spans over 55 years. PSC creates opportunities for older people to live healthy, active lives while remaining independent in their homes and community. The Center is one of the largest in Pennsylvania, and third oldest in the country, serving over 10,000 senior citizens annually from throughout the Delaware Valley. Services include in-center counseling, fitness classes, financial management services, transportation services, emergency financial assistance, educational programming, and recreational activities.
Since its inception Comcast-Spectacor Charities (ComcastSpectacorCharities.org), which encompasses Flyers Charities and Global Spectrum Charities, has contributed $25 million to charity. The funds raised from the Flyers Wives Fight For Lives Carnival and other initiatives of Comcast-Spectacor Charities help support hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region, including the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. Comcast-Spectacor Charities prides itself on helping support not just one, but a multitude of worthy non-profit organizations that benefit everything from important health care initiatives such as heart health and stroke and cancer awareness to various youth recreation programs and plenty more.
For more information about upcoming events, programs and services or general information please call (215) 546-5879 or visit www.philaseniorcenter.org .
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