Don’t let a broken air conditioner put your family’s health at risk – help is just a phone call away
It’s the middle of a Texas summer, the thermometer is pushing triple digits, and your air conditioner just gave up the ghost. If you’re a senior citizen, have young children, or live with disabilities, that’s not just uncomfortable – it’s downright dangerous. Fortunately, Dallas County has a lifeline: free emergency window AC units for families who need them most.
When the Heat Becomes a Health Emergency
Texas heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s deadly. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. When your home becomes an oven, you’re not just dealing with discomfort; you’re facing a genuine medical emergency.
The most vulnerable? The elderly, the disabled and families with small children – exactly the groups Dallas County prioritizes for their Free Emergency A/C Window Unit Program.
Help is Available Right Now
Dallas County Health and Human Services operates this program through the Dallas County Health and Human Services’ Weatherization Assistance Program. It’s designed to bring immediate relief to eligible families before the heat becomes life-threatening.
Call 214-819-1909 for emergency AC assistance.
The program gives priority to:
- Senior citizens (60 years of age and older)
- People with disabilities
- Households with children aged 5 years and younger
But here’s the important part – it’s income based, so you’ll need to meet certain financial requirements to qualify.
Why This Program Saves Lives
Medical experts know exactly why this program exists. Extended exposure to extreme heat leads to serious health complications including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and can worsen existing medical conditions. For seniors and young children, these risks multiply rapidly.
The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention, and that means keeping your living space cool when temperatures soar.
What You Need to Know to Get Help
Program Details:
- Service: Free window AC unit installation
- Who Qualifies: Income-based eligibility with priority for vulnerable populations
- Phone: 214-819-1909
- Cost: Completely free
- Service Area: Dallas County residents
The installation comes through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), ensuring you get professional installation along with your unit.
Other Ways to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat
While you’re waiting for help or if you don’t qualify for the program, here are critical safety measures:
Immediate Actions:
- Drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour
- Stay cool, wear cool clothing and limit strenuous outdoor activities
- Find air-conditioned public spaces like libraries, shopping centers, or community centers
- Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles
Watch for Heat Illness Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Confusion or altered mental state
If symptoms appear, move the person to a cool place, put a cool, wet cloth on their body, and give them water to sip. Seek immediate medical help if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.
Beyond Emergency AC: Other Resources Available
Dallas County’s commitment to keeping residents safe goes beyond just emergency AC units. The purpose of the program is to reduce household energy usage, address health and safety needs, and to offer minor home repairs through the installation of approved weatherization materials.
This means they might also help with:
- Weatherization improvements to keep your home cooler
- Minor repairs that affect your home’s energy efficiency
- Long-term solutions to reduce your cooling costs
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait
If your AC breaks down and you fall into one of the priority categories, don’t try to tough it out. As climate change pushes temperatures higher, it’s even more important to remember how dangerous the heat is and take steps to protect yourself.
One phone call to 214-819-1909 could literally save your life or the life of someone you love. Dallas County has made this program available because they understand that access to cooling isn’t a luxury in Texas – it’s a necessity for survival.
Don’t let pride or embarrassment keep you from getting help. This program exists because your community recognizes that everyone deserves to be safe from extreme heat, regardless of their financial situation.
Remember: 214-819-1909 – Your lifeline when the heat becomes dangerous.
Beat the heat, protect your family, and stay safe this summer. Help is available when you need it most
