By Staff
Recipients assisted during hot months
By CLAUD HODGES
Newsroom Manager
With the dog days of summer here, people facing high utility bills caused by the hot, uncomfortable days of July and August can find some help from local agencies.
People are urged by the Salvation Army to budget their resources so they can pay for utility costs associated with air conditioning, she said.
The Salvation Army is able to step in and pay a portion of some people’s bills when those people ask for assistance, she said.
Tabak said she keeps an eye on funding during the Salvation Army’s budgetary process so as much funding as possible for helping people pay high power bills will be available during the summer months.
Eagle’s Wings also tries to help people who cannot afford to pay high power bills, when it can.
She said her agency is more concerned with feeding folks.
The Beaufort County Department of Social Services offers help during the hot months.
Progress Energy and Tideland Electric Membership Corporation have provided the department with fans to deliver to those people who qualify for such assistance.
Age, location of residence and health-condition requirements apply in some cases in order to qualify for a fan, Harriett said.
Harriett said the department has money to provide some assistance to people who need help paying high utility bills caused by people trying to beat the heat.
He said the department uses several factors in determining who receives money to pay high utility bills.
The Greater Pamlico Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is concerned for people’s health during hot weather.
If a heat wave is predicted or is happening, the American Red Cross suggests that people slow down, stay indoors as much as possible, wear lightweight clothing that is light-colored, drink plenty of water regularly, drink fluids even if one is not thirsty and eat small meals and more of them.