OG&E recently began delivering 1,000 electric fans to agencies serving low-income and elderly citizens across its 30,000 square mile service area. "We are quickly building a tradition of partnering with agencies that work directly with those in need to distribute these fans as summer temperatures rise,” said Brian Alford, OG&E spokesperson.

Alford emphasized that summer heat can be extremely dangerous to vulnerable populations. Fans are being delivered to The Salvation Army, Areawide Aging Agencies and Community Action Agencies. The fans will be distributed by the agencies based on individual agency criteria for serving elderly and low-income Oklahomans.

 

KEDDO serves as the central contact point for the cities of Poteau, Heavener, Panama, Roland and Muldrow. They may be reachedby calling 800-722-8180 or 918-465-2367. OG&E has also partnered with nearly 300 locations to create sites designated as Cool Zones for seniors and others vulnerable to heat-related problems. Cool Zones offer a place to escape the summer heat and related health risks.

 

Cool Zones include facilities such as libraries, shopping centers and senior citizen centers.  In LeFlore County Cool Zones are at the following locations. Poteau: Poteau Senior Citizen Center, 500 Twyman Park Drive, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 918-647-8178 for more information. Buckley Public Library, 408 Dewey, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call 918-647-3833 for more information. Heavener: Heavener Senior Center, 201 East Avenue I, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call 918-653-2603 for more information. Panama: Panama Senior Center, Main Street next to the police station, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Call 918-963-4346 for more information.

 

OG&E and local social service agencies first organized the Cool Zone program in 2001 to help raise public awareness about the health dangers caused by heat.