NYS Home Energy Assistance Program Giving Away Free Air Conditioners

According to an alert being issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene free air conditioners are being issued to high risk populations. These high risk populations would include patients that are at risk of heat related deaths or illnesses.

Risk factors that will be considered for any heat related emergency may include anyone a age 65 and older or 4 years old and younger. As well as individuals with a chronic medical or psychiatric condition which may include congested heart failure, chronic obstructed pulmonary disorder, diabetes, and dementia. And anyone with limited mobility, confined to a bed or on medications that may affect the maintenance of a steady body temperature regardless of changes in the environment.

These at risk patients must submit a written statement from a health care provider stating that they have a medical or psychiatric condition or are taking any medication that will increase their risk for any heat related illnesses. Along with this written statement an application must be submitted. These applicants must meet a certain eligibility criteria. Determination of eligibility can be obtained by calling 1-88-342-3009 or via the internet at www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/#eligible.

According to the alert issued by the NYC DOHMH heat related mortalities are preventable and yet on an average there are more Americans that sustain death due to heat waves than all other natural disasters combined. The best method of preventing this tragedy is to stay in cool air conditioned environments. And now through the NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) this can be attainable to applicants that qualify for free air conditioners.

The supplies of these free air conditioners are limited and applications will be accepted for as long as the supplies last. Installation is also included once qualification for a free air conditioner has been determined.

Any at risk patients of heat related illnesses should seek help immediately to obtain the availability of a facility that may provide air conditioning even prior to obtaining a free air conditioner. NYS has the capability of helping these individuals to also obtain a Cooling Center by calling 311 or going to nyc.gov website.

For any additional information a fact sheet has been made available and can be viewed at nyc.gov or by contacting the Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology Program at 212-788-4290.

Stay Cool during These Hot Times.

Resources:

www.nyc.gov/health/nycmed
nycmed@health.nyc.gov