FLINT (WJRT) -
(07/17/12) - Tuesday morning, hundreds of fans were handed out to Genesee County seniors in need, but in order to get the fan, some of them had to wait in the heat for hours.
People started lining up before 8 a.m. Tuesday for the free fans handed out by the Sheriff's Department. By the time the giveaway started at 10 a.m., temperatures were already 89 degrees.
"It's like an oven in my house," said Belinda Reed, one of the seniors standing in line.
The line was wrapped around the Genesee County Sheriff's Department.
By 10 a.m. hundreds of people were in line and volunteers with the Elder Abuse Task Force began handing out the free fans.
"I have a couple fans, but another one would help out a whole lot," said Andrew Howard.
Nearly everyone in line has no air conditioning back at home. The fan is a much needed bit of relief on what is expected to be a 100+ degree day.
"Very uncomfortable, very uncomfortable. I get very little sleep, lots of discomfort and hard to breath," said Gregory Holiday.
"Tonight, I'll sleep. I would have been out here at 5 in the morning if they would of passed them out then," Reed said.
More than 200 hundreds fans were given away, but there were more people than expected, so vouchers were handed out to those who didn't receive one Tuesday.
"We have vouchers and we will do our best to deliver them within the next couple days," said Genesee County Sheriff's Department Captain, Michael Tocarchick.
In addition to the fans, the sheriff's department is offering extra services Tuesday.
If you're a senior who is having heat-related health problems, you're urged to call 810-257-3422
If you call that number, a paramedic will come to your home to check on you.
