Extreme Weather Task Force on high alert

In 2016, El Paso has seen 34 days of triple-digit temperatures so far and the summer is not nearly over.

Recent rain has spared us from those temperatures, but the humidity can make for some uncomfortable days.

The Extreme Weather Task Force is urging residents to request a fan if they find themselves in need.

ABC-7 followed the task force as it delivered a fan to one woman who was relieved to finally get a new one.

“My fan is broken,” said Elia Soledad.

Grace Ortiz, chair of the Extreme Weather Task Force, said this is a time of year where the entire community has to look after senior citizens and the most vulnerable members of the community.

The fans are not strictly for elderly residents.

Ortiz said people with illnesses and disabilities, families with infants and homes with no air conditioning take priority.

On Wednesday, Soledad received her new fan, that she said will go in her room to cool the long summer nights.

“I’m so happy because I need it. I really need it for my room,” she said.

To get a free fan, residents can call 211.

They’ll need to register in order for the task force to get the request.

Ortiz said she is a “one-man band” with occasional volunteers who help distribute the fans.

“I try to qualify them as soon as I can.”

The task force is on high alert this summer after four heat-related deaths were reported in July.

“We all have to take care of one another,” Ortiz said.

In 2001, the task force started its fan program, taking donations from the community.

Between 2002-2004, Ortiz said El Paso reported six to 10 heat-related deaths every year.

“That’s extremely high. That’s why we focus on educating the community,” Ortiz said.

Call 211 to register for a free fan.