Officials Concerned About Older, Special Needs Residents During Heat Wave

The brutal heat wave baking New Jersey this week is causing some officials to express concern about local residents who don't have air conditioning.

"We are concerned about the elderly and special needs residents in homes with no A/C," Warren OEM Coordinator Jane Asch said.

She said residents can use the library as a cooling shelter, if needed, between 9:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 pm. Friday; and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Asch and Chief of Police Russell Leffert ask residents to stop by or call their elderly neighbors to check on them during the week, to make sure they are taking the proper steps to stay cool.

"If they find that there might be a need for the police to check up on them, please let Police Dispatch know at 908-753-1000," Asch said.

She also recommends residents follow these safety precautions issued by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management:

1. If possible, stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.
2. Use an air conditioner if you have one. Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.
3. If you do not have an air conditioner, keep rooms well-ventilated with open windows and fans. Consider going to a public pool, air-conditioned store, mall, movie theater, or cooling center—the local public library branches provide relief until about 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4. Fans work best at night, when they can bring in cooler air from outside.
5. Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, young children, and people with special needs. Many older people live alone and could suffer unnecessarily in the heat because they are isolated from friends and family.
6. Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives at least twice a day during a heat wave.
7. Drink fluids particularly water even if you do not feel thirsty.* Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar.
8. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
9. Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
10. Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
11. Cool showers or baths may be helpful, but avoid extreme temperature changes. Never take a shower immediately after becoming overheated extreme temperature changes may make you ill, nauseated, or dizzy.