AC units, swamp coolers, fans not working at state prison near Las Vegas: NDOC

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Las Vegas valley’s excessive heat is not only breaking down cooling equipment in homes and businesses but also at a Southern Nevada prison.

On Monday, the Nevada Department of Corrections confirmed to 8 News Now that swamp cooling units and industrial fans have malfunctioned, creating a dangerous situation.

An inmate’s mother told 8 News Now that her son had been at High Desert for 30 days and that one time they had to move a whole tier of inmates because they were passing out.

8 News Now is protecting the identity of the inmate and his mother as both fear retaliation.

“I understand that, you know, that was his sentence but at least treat him like a human being. You know at least give them air,” the inmate’s mother said. “They tell you not to leave your dogs outside in the heat, but they have them locked up like a sardine can, with hot air blowing through the vents and sweating and passing out.”

According to NDOC, High Desert State Prison’s air conditioners stopped working months before these temperatures arrived.

The NDOC confirmed to 8 News Now the swamp coolers and industrial fans used as replacements have fallen into disrepair and that the hard water, high temperatures and humidity have impacted the coolers. The new commercial-sized swamp coolers and industrial fans should arrive at High Desert this week, according to NDOC.

The inmate’s mother told 8 News Now that she hopes the swamp coolers and fans come in as soon as possible because her son suffers from seizures.

“The heat is one of the things that will throw him into that condition,” she said.

The Nevada Department of Corrections hasn’t given an exact time frame on when it’s going to repair those air conditioners. According to the agency, an air conditioning unit inside Culinary at Jean Conservation Camp has stopped working.

Moreover, two swamp coolers at the state prison in Carson City also broke down on Sunday afternoon. NDOC was able to repair one.

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