The annual Pete Moore Automotive Team Senior Chill Out, a one-day donation drive for new air conditioners, fans and funds to help seniors beat the heat, will be held Friday, June 5 at the five area Lowe’s stores (Fairfield Drive, Airport Boulevard, and Nine Mile Road in Pensacola; Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze; and Highway 90 in Pace) from 6 am to 6 pm. The event is hosted by Council on Aging of West Florida in partnership with WEAR ABC 3, WFGX 35, Cat Country 98.7, NewsRadio 92.3, and Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. Community members and businesses are invited to join this effort and donate during the event. Council on Aging collects and distributes donated ACs and fans to vulnerable seniors, who experience dangerous health complications resulting from stifling summer heat. Monetary contributions are also appreciated and can be made at the event or any time online at SeniorChillOut.org.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, extreme heat results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. Those ages 65 and up are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of excessive heat due to decreased ability to regulate body temperature, along with medical conditions and prescription medicines that can impair their ability to feel hot or even perspire. This can lead to dangerous conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal.
“The need for air conditioners and fans is always massive throughout the hotter months,” said Council on Aging marketing communications director Emily Echevarria. “There are so many older adults right in our community suffering through summer, either without air conditioning or with inadequate air conditioning, and we can help ease that burden by coming together each year for our seniors with this event.”…