NASHVILLE, Tennessee — After June temperatures started reaching into the high 90s Fahrenheit, Alexandra Mistekevic’s two-bedroom apartment in Nashville, Tennessee became so sweltering that the air conditioning unit was only able to cool the shared living and kitchen areas.
Her 8-year-old son couldn’t even sleep or play in his bedroom, it was so hot.
“My oldest one wants to go in his room, and he can’t because I’m afraid he’s going to get overheated,” the mother of two said.
This week Nashville and Memphis were under heat advisories as temperatures reached into the high 90s and the heat index in both cities got above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius) on Tuesday. Cooling centers were opened in both cities, while Nashville’s Office of Homeless Services and other community service organizations performed heat checks and offered rides to shelters and cooling centers.
Mistekevic found relief through Nashville’s Metropolitan Action Commission, which offers free window AC units to seniors, families with young children and people with medical conditions that are affected by the heat.
On Tuesday, when the daily temperature topped out at 98 degrees F (36.7 C), Mistekevic filled out an application and later the same day was able to pick up a 8,000 BTU window unit for her oldest son’s bedroom.
Now she can rest better knowing he’s got a place to sleep and play with his toys, especially as the summer was just beginning to kick into high temperatures.
Marvin Cox, community outreach director with the Metropolitan Action Commission, takes a window air conditioner from a shelf to give out on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. As temperatures reach into the upper 90s, the Metro Action Commission is offering free window AC units to seniors, families with young children and people with medical conditions. Credit: AP/Mark Humphrey
“I’ve sweated more this summer than I would say any summer before,” said Mistekevic. “Like this summer, I feel like its going to…
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