St. Clair County offering free air conditioning units to low-income residents

People who are trying to stay cool in their homes during the heat wave can go to St. Clair County for help.

The St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department has about 75 window air conditioning units available for county residents who meet low-income requirements.

Terry Beach, the executive director of the intergovernmental grants department, said the units are new and were left over from when Ameren Illinois distributed free air conditioning units. The grants department also purchased extra air conditioning units with federal money.

“Obviously anytime the heat index rises to this level, we have to be concerned,” Beach said. “Not everyone can make it to a cooling center. This is a good alternative to know these additional window air units are available.”

The units, and their installation, are free to St. Clair County residents, Beach said.

People who are interested should call the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department at 618-257-9246.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that will be in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Even though it is expected to cool down to the mid-80s on Wednesday, temperatures are expected to be back in the 90s during by the end of the week, during the weekend and into next week.

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 9:59 AM with the headline "St. Clair County offering free air conditioning units to low-income residents."