8/19/05

Stay Cool When It's Hot

While temperatures continue to simmer, local government agencies are offering ways to stay cool.

Free electric fans: The NC Department of Health and Human Service's Operation Fan/Heat Relief program provides free electric fans to elderly citizens who have the greatest need for relief from the heat. For more information, call Resources for Seniors, which distributes fans within Wake County, at (919) 872-7933.

Air conditioning in public libraries: The temperatures are never too hot or too cold to enjoy a public library. From nearby Wake County libraries to the local Hunt Center reading room, residents are welcome to spend hours enjoying the resources offered. Wake County is to open a branch library in downtown Holly Springs next year.

Need transportation to a cool place? Public transportation around southern Wake County by wheelchair-accessible van is provided for a fee by Wake County Human Services. The transportation service, called TRACS, is available on Mondays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can be used for transportation from homes to a variety of places, including visits to grocery stores, medical offices, banks, post offices, shopping malls, restaurants, homes of family and friends, the Wake County Southern Regional Center, and more. The cost of the service is $2 per passenger each way per trip. To schedule a trip or for more information, call Wake County Human Services at (919) 212-7005 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least 24 hours in advance of the planned trip. Trips scheduled less than 24 hours in advance or outside the southern service area (within reason) may be accommodated if possible. However, the cost for these trips will be $4 each way.

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us