Cecelia Watson sorts through a stack of fans at CAC Thursday
Temperatures reached triple digits across Tennessee Thursday. With the heat wave lasting through the weekend, many relief agencies are preparing to assist the public.
The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee has already issued dozens of fans to people in need. Energy and Community Services Director Cecelia Waters says the high volume of requests started late last week.
"The really high volume started last Friday with the forecast for weather, so we've been busy every day this week," she said. "We've probably issued out over 150 fans this month and 50 within the last week!"
She says the CAC prepares each year to help people through extreme heat, and the organization relies heavily on the generosity of others.
"All of the fans we receive are from donations, so our community is aware of the need for some families."
The Roane County Office of Emergency Services will have five cooling centers set up throughout the county.
They are located at:
New Midway Baptist Church, New Midway Road, east end of the county.
First Baptist Church, Hwy 70 in downtown Kingston.
S. Roane Fire Station #1, Lake Drive, Kingston
Roane County Rescue Squad, Hwy 70 in Midtown
West Roane VFD, Pumphouse Road, Rockwood
Lee Village Baptist Church, Lee Village Road, Harriman
Blair VFD, Old Harriman Hwy, Harriman
The Knoxville chapter of the American Red Cross may also open a cooling shelter if the need arises.
"That will just be a safe, cool place for them to come and get out of the heat where thy can get some water and things available," said Disaster Director Mary Beth Birge.