Although the official start of the season is still two weeks away, summer weather has arrived in Georgetown County. Heat advisories, intended to warn residents that a period of high temperatures and humidity could result in illnesses, have been issued by the National Weather Service. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from rapidly releasing heat. This can often to lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Coaches and trainers at the Blueprint Leadership Celebrity Football Camp Saturday insisted that the youngsters take extra water breaks and even spend some time in the shade of the Carvers Bay stadium grandstand because of the heat.
Many citizens have the luxury of staying inside an air-conditioned home or office during these hot days as heat indexes extend toward 100 degrees.
Unfortunately, some citizens don't even have an electric fan to stir the air in their homes.
The Salvation Army and local radio station WGTN are asking for donations in order to buy fans to be distributed to the elderly.
The elderly suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke in disproportionately high numbers.
"This is a simple way that neighbors can help neighbors," said Capt. Joseph May of the local Salvation Army.
Capt. May says that if anyone would like to make a monetary donation for this program they may send their gift to The Salvation Army, marked "Beat the Heat Fan Drive" on the memo line, P.O. Box 2716, Georgetown, SC 29440, and The Salvation Army can then purchase additional fans to distribute.
To donate fans, bring them to The Salvation Army Corps Community Center, located at 2401 Anthuan Maybank Dr. in Georgetown, across the street from Georgetown High School, or drop them off at WGTN Radio Station located at 2508 Highmarket St. in Georgetown.
On particularly hot days, elderly citizens should go to a public library or other air-conditioned facility if they feel that their health is threatened.