ST. LOUIS - (KMOX) Cool Down St. Louis kicked off Tuesday morning. Ameren donated $200,000 and 850 air conditioners to Cool Down's efforts. The annual event brought together Cool Down Board members, past and present, led by founder Gentry Trotter.
Meteorologists from all three television stations stressed the importance of staying cool during this dangerous heat. This is the 17th year for Cool Down St. Louis' air conditioner giveaway.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones says "heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real threats as we hit record-high temperatures. Limit your activity outside, stay hydrated, and check up on your family and neighbors who need it." Jones says there are cooling centers available throughout the City.
Cool Down St. Louis aims to help people who struggle to keep their homes cool during the summer. Michael McMillan, president of the Urban League, and Cool Down St. Louis board member, pointed out that people are still recovering from COVID and may be struggling to pay utility bills. "So when you couple all these things together we've already heard people say, "Well, I'm waiting to turn my air conditioning on because I can't afford a big electric bill. McMillan says people a little above the poverty level, who do not qualify for government programs, that's where Cool Down St. Louis can help.
St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson, safety chairman of Cool Down told KMOX News, the fire department is here to help. Jenkerson says many people "have to make a choice do they want to pay their electric bill, or buy their medicines, or buy food. And we're telling them, with Cool Down St. Louis, keep the air conditioners on, if you have an issue and it's not working, either call Cool Down St. Louis or call the St. Louis Fire Department."
Jenkerson says in the 1980's, too may people died during heat waves. That was prior to Cool Down St. Louis and Ameren partnering to provide air conditioners and funds to pay electric bills.
Jenkerson said seniors sometimes do not know when they are too hot and that's why you should check on them put your hand on them to feel if they are hot to the touch.
Jenkerson adds, as the extreme temperatures drag on, the fire department will start to receive more calls for sick cases related to the heat. But that can be avoided by keeping you air conditioner on, drinking water, and limit you outdoor activity. And above all, check on the more vulnerable.
Reverend Earl Nance, past chairman emeritus, and corporate treasurer for Cool Down/Heat Up St. Louis, said unfortunately, "too many families, seniors and those with disabilities, they all are making tougher choices between their mortgage, rent, groceries, meds, and now the gas pump." Nance says a lot has changed since Cool Down's inception, "but what has not changed is the steadfast partnership and those who benefit." Nance says if you are in need of utility assistance throughout the St. Louis region go to cooldownstlouis.org
Whether you need assistance paying your electric bill, or a free air conditioner Cool Down St. Louis will help.
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