Extreme Weather Taskforce: Do you qualify for a free fan?

Borderland residents continue to swelter in the extreme heat this week.

Temperatures are expected to rise well above average into the triple digits until at least Friday. That’s why the City of El Paso Department of Public Health is reminding residents they can call 2-1-1 to see if they qualify for free electric fans.

Homes that qualify include those with babies less than 12 months old, the elderly, the disabled, people on Medicare, Medicaid or receiving Social Security income.

The Extreme Weather Taskforce receives donations from sponsors to purchase the fans. Over the last two years, the taskforce has distributed more than 1,100 fans to El Pasoans, a spokesman with the health department said.