The Camden County Health Officer has issued a Heat Alert for Camden County through July 22. Residents should contact the municipal building in their municipality for the location of a cooling center in their area. When the Camden County Health Officer issues a Heat Alert, municipalities are notified that it would be appropriate to open municipal cooling centers to the public. Each municipality in Camden County has identified and is responsible for activating its own municipal cooling center. Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez reminds residents to remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors during the heat emergency, and do not over exert yourself outdoors in the sun.
12 Heat Safety Tips for the Summer Heat Wave
The Camden County Health Officer, Robert J. Smith, has issued a Heat Alert for Camden County from noon to 8:00 P.M. Today, July 18 through July 22nd. Residents should contact the municipal building in their municipality for the location of a cooling center in their area.
“When the Camden County Health Officer issues a Heat Alert, municipalities are notified that it would be appropriate to open municipal cooling centers to the public. Each municipality in Camden County has identified and is responsible for activating its own municipal cooling center,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “Please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors during the heat emergency, and do not over exert yourself outdoors in the sun.”
To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following:
- Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
- Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
- Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
- Do not leave older people, children or pets alone in cars.
- The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.
Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get to immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency, dial 911.
There is a threat of severe thunderstorms late today into tonight. Hot and humid conditions are with us this afternoon, however the sun should fade behind increasing clouds later today. A couple disturbances come through this evening and tonight, while it is quite likely that everyone sees showers and storms in that period. There is some uncertainty whether storms are severe or not. Despite the uncertainty, be aware of the potential for a few broken lines of storms that could produce wind damage during this timeframe. Unlike many other severe events, approaching storms may retain severe characteristics past sundown and into the overnight hours.
“Residents should avoid areas that typically flood if possible, and remember that pools of water may prevent drivers from seeing hazards in the road,” said Freeholder Rodney A. Greco, liaison to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management.
PSE&G Hot Weather Advisory
As hot and humid weather once again grips the region, PSE&G has taken steps to meet the expected high demand for electricity. The state’s largest utility is monitoring weather conditions and the impact on its delivery system. Although PSE&G expects to have no problem delivering the additional power, utility crews are at the ready to respond to service interruptions should they occur. The company has been advised by PJM, the regional grid operator, that power supplies are expected to be adequate to meet the increased demand. PJM has not issued any request to cut back on power.
Customers can take the following steps to stay comfortable and conserve in heat situations:
- Turn off everything you’re not using, including TVs and computers.
- If health conditions permit, raise your air conditioner to 78 degrees. You can save 3 to 5 percent on air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.
- Also use fans to circulate air. Portable and ceiling fans use a tenth of the electricity of an air conditioner and can make 78 degrees feel cooler than it actually is.
- Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to block summer light and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
- Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. If you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused rooms.
- Check to ensure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking ducts or fans, which will enable cooled air to circulate more frequently.
- Cook and use other heat-generating appliances in the early morning and late evening hours whenever possible.
