Local free fan pick-up continues with heat risks

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- United Way and the Salvation Army are still providing free fans to the community of St. Joseph.

Multiple locations around the city are allowing residents to pick up a free fan to help in the heat.

Though a fan feels nice in the moment, there are some risks the community has to worry about when it comes to the humidity.

According to Science.org, around 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit, is the maximum use temperature for utilizing fans.

“Under the hot, humid heat conditions, we show definitely that fans are protective at a temperature above the threshold used by CDC,” Thermal Physiologist Ollie Jay said.

Jay said the concern is that by circulating the air, the fans enabled more moisture on the skin to evaporate than if air close to the body remained stagnant.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends staying hydrated and staying cool.