KCP&L donates fans for local distribution to those in need

Representatives of KCP&L present the Nevada office of the West Central Community Action Agency with a donation of 30 fans. From left; KCP&L senior clerk Val Wolf, supervisor of operation and maintenance, Gary Ashby, West Central community service specialist Peggy Entrikin and community service specialist Mary Sanderson. Highs in the upper 90s are predicted for Vernon County through Saturday; but relief is in sight as Sunday's forecast calls for a high of 89 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, in effect until Saturday evening. A heat advisory means that conditions could lead to heat-related illnesses. --Rusty Murry/Daily Mail

As excessive heat warnings fueled by temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indices higher than 100 degrees continue in the area, KCP&L is partnering with local service agencies to distribute fans to those in need. Volunteers from the company are delivering the fans directly to the agencies and in some areas assisting with the distribution, a press release said.

Fans in the Nevada area were delivered to West Central Community Action Agency on Thursday, for residents to stop by and pick up on a first-come, first-served basis.

"The safety of our customers is our top priority during hot weather," said Ronda Watts, KCP&L East District manager. "In addition to providing fans we want our customers to be aware of many steps they can take to keep their homes cooler and help protect themselves during these intense temperatures."

During periods of extreme hot weather, customers can:

* Seek a cool public place, such as a library or mall if they do not have an air conditioning system or fan.

* Close window shades, blinds, drapes and curtains whenever the sun is shining through the window to reduce warming in the home.

* Open up unused rooms. The central air conditioning system will work more efficiently.

* Do laundry, wash dishes, mop floors and bathe in late evening or early morning hours. These activities produce moisture and increase humidity in the house, making the air conditioner work harder and less efficient.

* Use a microwave whenever possible, as it uses less electricity and creates less heat than a conventional oven.