Fans are available to low-income, aged or disabled people and families. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program in the Department of Health and Human Services purchased the fans. Marian DeBuhr is in the HHS office in Crete. DeBuhr says the fans are available at several locations in Saline and Gage counties. DeBuhr says there are no income guidelines, but they prefer that citizens follow those used in the cooling program.Other DHHS offices may also provide fans. DeBuhr says individuals should contact their nearest office to find out.

Fans can be picked up at the following locations:

o Adams – Adams Super Foods o Beatrice – Salvation Army, 624 Market St. o Blue Springs – Security First Bank, Blue Springs Branch o Clatonia – Security First Bank, Clatonia Branch o Filley – Filley Bank o Liberty – State Bank of Liberty o Odell – State Bank of Odell o Virginia – Citizens State Bank Branch of Farmers State Bank Cook o Wymore – Wymore State Bank

In addition to the fan distribution program, there is help for low-income individuals and families through the cooling program. To be eligible for the cooling program, someone in the household must be age 70 or older or have some specific medical conditions that make that person susceptible to heat. Applications can be requested by calling DHHS at 1-800-554-9123 or 223-6000.

The household resource limit for the cooling program is $5,000 and annual income limits are: household size 1, $ 13,005; HH size 2, $17,505 HH size 3, $22,005; HH size 4, $26,505; HH size 5, $31,005; HH size 6, $35,505; HH size 7, $40,005; HH size 8, $44,505; HH size 9, $49,005; HH size 10, $55,505; + $4,500 for each additional member.

For more information on the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, go to the DHHS website: www.dhhs.ne.gov and search for “energy assistance.”