Riverside County provides help to seniors as Coachella Valley heats up

Riverside County health officials are encouraging Coachella Valley seniors to remain in their homes during the current heat wave and to use air conditioning to stay cool. 

The county’s system of cooling centers has not been activated, but triple-digit temperatures are predicted for the weekend in the Coachella Valley and eastern Riverside County.

“Please blast it, turn it on full blast," said Rebecca Acevedo.

A message from 2-1-1 Riverside County Community Connect Director, Rebecca  Acevedo to all seniors as temperatures reach the triple digits.

The county set up a motel voucher program for Saturday and Sunday night for seniors without air conditioning.

For those who do have a working cooling system at home.

There is: "utility assistance to pay for that bill so don't worry about the charges that you're are going to incur because you will get assistance to cover those costs," said Acevedo.

Dee Dresser, who stopped by Walmart to pick up a fan as she prepares for the heat, said she's happy to hear about the county's  resources.

"I think its needed in many instances and I am actually for it," said Dresser.

County utility assistance is based on income. With cooling centers not open, seniors are also encouraged to call the community connect line at 2-1-1 for other help that is available.

Imperial Irrigation District also reassuring residents that power and water will not be shut off for non-payment during the coronavirus pandemic.

"if you are facing a financial situation please call IID, talk to us directly, " said Robert Schettler. "We have what is called a residential energy assistance program, which if you are a senior, you will maybe be able to get a 30 percent discount on your bill."

IID Public Information Officer, Robert Schettler said the district has a team watching the  grid as part of an effort to  to prevent any outages.

"These are people that are going to work 12 hour shifts, 12 hours off ," said Schettler. "Stay away from their families for 3 weeks on end to make sure the power flows."

Southern California Edison also providing services to help seniors through their CARE program, if qualified it could reduce energy bills by 30 percent.

"We don't want that fear of a high utility bill of being something that prevents people from keeping their air conditioning running and keeping them safe," said Shane Reichardt, Public Information Officer for the County of Riverside Emergency Management Department.

For more information on Southern California Edison services. Click Here.

For more on 211 Riverside County Community Center services. Click Here.

For more on IID's financial assistance programs. Click Here.