With temperatures reaching the 90s for a fourth day in a row, Rochester Gas and Electric teamed up with the American Red Cross to give away 250 fans.

The box fans were available for free beginning at 11:00 a.m. Thursday for those 60 and older, or individuals and families receiving social security insurance or disability.

"I've been sweltering for three days and this is a God send,” said Flo of Irondequoit. Thank you!"

The fan giveaway was supposed to last until 8 p.m. but all 250 were gone before 2 p.m., and those who came early are glad they did.

"I got a little small fan that I got in the window but it's not throwing out much air. Hopefully this will help,” said Eleanor Austin, a Rochester resident. “I'd love to have an air conditioner."

The American Red Cross said staying hydrated is important in hot, humid weather.
Although the breeze from a fan is good for cooling the body, it may be better to go someplace that is air conditioned if you can.

"Go to one of the libraries or rec. centers that are open late, go to the mall, take in a movie, do something like that,” suggests Leighton Jones of the Red Cross. “And most of all, maybe this is a good time to check neighbors. If you have an elderly neighbors just knock on their door and see if they're ok and if you can bring them something that they might need."

Jocelyn Everett said it has been so steamy at her Rochester home that she is afraid to cook. She said the fan will help. Jocelyn believes Rochesterians are unprepared since heat waves like this don’t happen here all that often.

"This is so unexpected,” she said. “Sometimes we freeze all year then the next minute we burn up. So it's one or the other."

There is relief in site as temperatures are expected to drop into the 80s with lower humidity coming this weekend.