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Veterans relocated from Barstow to Chula Vista after air conditioning breaks

Posted at 11:20 PM, Aug 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-08 08:23:35-04

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Nearly 40 veterans from the Veterans Home of California Barstow were sent to a Chula Vista facility after an air conditioning unit broke as temperatures in Barstow reached dangerous levels.

The air-conditioning units in four of the buildings began having problems on Monday due to a water line break. The air conditioning was intermittently shut down, impacting 96 residences.

The impacted building only houses independent living residents, and the intermediate care ad skilled care residents were not affected.

On Tuesday, the air conditioning was shut down so work could begin to repair the line. Resident care specialists encouraged residents to spend time in a multi-purpose room in a building where air conditioning and beverages were available.

In addition, the staff set up hydration stations and also moved large fans and portable air conditioners to the affected buildings and encouraged residents to cool off in lobbies.

However, by Wednesday, facility officials decided that it was best to relocate the residents impacted.

The temperatures hit 106 degrees in Barstow on Wednesday, and temperatures in some of the rooms were slightly above 90 degrees.

The Veterans Home of California-Barstow sent 10News the following statement:

“The comfort and well-being of our residents is our top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we are working to relocate residents of the four impacted buildings who would like to move until the air conditioning is fixed.

So far, approximately 30 residents will be moved to available rooms at the Barstow home, approximately 40 residents have chosen to be bussed to the Veterans Home in Chula Vista, and the rest have chosen to either stay with friends or family or to make other arrangements outside of the home on their own. We are hopeful the air conditioning will be fixed in the next few days, and our residents can return home and to their rooms by the end of the weekend. Family members who have questions can call us at (800) 746-0606.”