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Vol. LXV, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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An excessive heat warning through at least Friday, July 22 has been issued for the central New Jersey area by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, in coordination with the National Weather Service. Heat index values (a measure of the combination of heat and humidity) could approach 105 to 110 degrees. The excessive heat warning is in effect until Friday and will be reevaluated as the weekend approaches.
Children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures. Mercer County is reminding residents that many cooling sites are open.
County Executive Brian M. Hughes said residents should drink plenty of water, try to stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned space, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when going outdoors. He also urged residents to check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors. Pets are also very vulnerable to excessive heat; animals should never be left unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down or for short periods of time, and pets should be provided with plenty of fresh water to drink, and a shaded or sheltered area.
Designated summer cooling sites include all municipal senior centers, like the Princeton Senior Resource Center (PSRC), neighborhood community centers, and the nine Mercer County Library System branches. Note that Senior Centers are only open Monday through Friday. To contact PSRC at the Suzanne Patterson building call (609) 924-7108. To reach the Spruce Circle office call (609) 924-7108.
For more information call the Mercer County Office on Aging at (877) 222-3737. In addition to making cool sites and home cooling appliances available, the county also offers a “Warmline” via the Office on Aging. During daytime hours, residents can call (609) 989-6661 or toll-free (877) 222-3737 for assistance in coping with the heat. During non-business hours, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they experience heat-related problems.
Heat is often referred to as the “silent killer,” in contrast to tornados, hurricanes, and other natural hazards with more dramatic visual effects. For more information regarding heat related emergencies and a list of the County Emergency Management Offices, log on to www.ready.nj.gov, or visit the National Weather Service Heat Safety Page (www.weather.gov/com/heat/index.shtml). The U.S. Center for Disease Control Heat Safety Page (www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat) contains information about the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Call 211, New Jersey’s toll-free, confidential help line, for information about heat safety resources.