Fan safety during excessive heat events

[JULY 19, 2006]  The widespread availability and ease of using portable electric fans draws many people to use them for personal cooling during an excessive heat event. Portable electric fans can, however, increase the circulation of hot air, which increases thermal stress and health risks during conditions of excessive heat.

As a result, portable electric fans need to be used with caution and under specific circumstances during excessive heat.

Here is a list of dos and don'ts for their use:

Do:

• Use a portable electric fan in or next to an open window so heat can exhaust to the outside. Box fans are best.

• Use a portable electric fan to bring in cooler air from the outside.

• Plug your portable electric fan directly into a wall outlet. If you need an extension cord, check that it is Underwriters Laboratories-approved in the United States or Canadian Standards Approved in Canada.

Don't:

• Use a portable electric fan in a closed room without windows or doors open to the outside.

• Believe that portable electric fans cool air. They don't. They just move the air around and keep you cool by helping to evaporate your sweat.

• Use a portable electric fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself. This can accelerate the risk of heat exhaustion.

• Use a fan as a substitute for spending time in an air-conditioned facility during excessive heat.

If you are afraid to open your window to use a portable electric fan, choose other ways to keep cool, such as cool showers and spending time in an air-conditioned location.

Sources: "Appendix B: Use of Portable Electric Fans During Excessive Heat Events." Philadelphia Office of Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 2002; Toronto Public Health, 2002.

[Provided by Terry Storer, Logan County Emergency Management Agency]

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