Keeping Cool: Free Box Fans Available to Eligible Mecklenburg County Residents

A box fan lying in a grass field

As extreme high temperatures and heat indices persist through at least July 31, Charlotte-Mecklenburg government agencies and partners are highlighting services available to assist vulnerable residents during times of extreme heat. Among them is Mecklenburg County’s free box fan program, where fans remain available this summer.

Mecklenburg County’s Services for Adults division is offering free box fans to seniors and adults who receive disability income. Residents 60 years of age and older and adults ages 18 to 59 who are disabled can pick up a fan while supplies last.

Individuals are required to show a valid driver's license or state ID providing proof of age and a current Mecklenburg County address when picking up their fan. Limit one fan per person.

To learn about receiving a free box fan:

Additional Resources Available Through July 30

Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, and homeless service providers work together to monitor the weather, support the needs of the community and address needs that may arise due to the extreme heat.

The Charlotte Area Transit System will provide free transportation to the day services centers, recreation centers, senior centers, and spraygrounds listed below, which are designated as cooling stations..

Day Services Centers: There are multiple centers available for people who are living unsheltered:

  • Roof Above’s Day Services Center, 945 N College St, Charlotte
    • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. 
       
  • Block Love Charlotte’s Day Services Center, 2738 N Graham St., Charlotte
    • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
       
  • The Relatives: On Ramp (young adults ages 18-24), 2219 Freedom Dr., Charlotte
    • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed weekends and holidays.
       
  • Salvation Army Center of Hope (women and families with minor children) 534 Spratt St., Charlotte
    • 1 – 5 p.m. daily throughout this extreme heat event.
       

Outreach staff will visit homeless encampments to provide information about available places to find relief locations and water if needed.

Recreation and Senior Centers

The following recreation and senior centers are open to residents seeking relief from the heat:    

Recreation and Senior Center locations and hours of operation are available online.

Spraygrounds, Pools and Beach

The following spraygrounds are also available for use from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily:      

 These outdoor water attractions are also available:    

  • Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center, 2014 Statesville Ave, is open noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
  • Cordelia Pool, 2100 North Davidson St., is open noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  
  • Ramsey Creek Beach, 18441 Nantz Road, is open noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   


Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries: 

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations are generally open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.   

Energy Bill Assistance:

Individuals and families in Mecklenburg County who are experiencing a cooling (or heating) energy bill-related crisis, a life-threatening or health-related emergency, and have a past due or final notice can apply for energy bill assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program. Details on the program, including criteria and applications, are available at MeckNC.gov/Energy or by calling 704-336-3000. Assistance is available year-round or until all funds are exhausted.  

Members of the public may also call 211 to receive the latest information regarding home utility and rental assistance options.  

Keep Healthy During the Heat 

Public Health recommends that residents take extra precautions as heat-related illness can be more severe as the body temperature rises:

  • Limit physical activity outside
  • Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol use
  • Stay cool in shaded areas outside or with fans or air-conditioning inside
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes outside

High-risk groups include:

  • People over 65
  • Infants and children
  • Pregnant women
  • People with heart or lung conditions
  • People who work outdoors
  • People who live in urban areas

Heat illness can be dangerous, but it is preventable with the right precautions and reversible with the right treatment. Learn more about how to manage extreme heat from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Residents can also download this heat-related infographic highlighting signs, symptoms, and useful guidance.   

How to Help

Residents can reach out to one of Mecklenburg County’s many partners to learn how and what to donate to help the homeless community: