As temperatures in New Jersey continue to rise, heat-related health risks even at these temperatures have also increased.
Burlington County and the Moorestown Town Council have provided some tips to help people stay cool and what to look for if someone is suspected of having a heat-related illness.
“With rising temperatures, it is important to drink more fluids,” Burlington County Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien said. “Residents that plan to go outside should wear loose, lightweight clothing and never leave any persons, especially infants or young children, or animals in a closed, parked vehicle.”
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity creates a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely.
“Keeping cool will help you and your loved ones avoid heat-related illnesses,” O’Brien said.
Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat syncope. According to the Burlington County Public Health Fact Sheet on heat-related illnesses, the body normally cools itself by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises fast. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other organs. Several things affect the body’s ability to cool itself during hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat.
“The (Moorestown) Mall has in the past been more than willing to have people come inside and cool down at their location. Cooling stations can be located by either calling 211 or at 211.com,” Police Chief Lee Lieber, said. “The police department has continued to tweet out heat safety information this summer, particularly the importance of checking and not leaving children and pets in vehicles. We also want to encourage people to check on elderly friends and neighbors or anyone else who may need help beating the heat.”
Some general tips for preventing heat-related illnesses include: drink plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol and caffeine, and see your doctor about whether you need additional salt; spend whatever time possible in air-conditioned areas, even if only a few hours each day; make sure to eat enough food; when possible, lower activity levels in very hot weather; because the elderly are particularly at risk to the effects of heat, caretakers should visit at least twice a day and monitor them closely for signs of heat illness; because young children under 5 years of age are also sensitive to heat’s effects, parents and caretakers should be careful not to overdress them and to give them plenty of fluids; wear a hat when outdoors; exercise early or late in the day; make sure to check on pets as the heat can affect some pets, ask your veterinarian for advice; and, in cases of heat emergencies, call your doctor or visit your local emergency room.
“I would urge all residents to use common sense precautions if outside during the heat. Please make sure your pets have adequate water if they must be outdoors. Check on the elderly, as they are very susceptible to heat-related complications. If you have elderly neighbors or family members nearby, stop in and check to make sure they are OK,” Mayor Phil Garwood said. “If exercising, make sure that you are well hydrated before and avoid the peak hours of the day time.”
The mayor went on to warn that, above all, residents should be safe and recognize the symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. These symptoms include: a body temperature of 104 F or greater, lacking of sweating, skin feeling hot and dry, nausea, vomiting, flushed or red skin, rapid and shallow breathing, headache, confusion or unconsciousness, muscle cramps or weakness and a strong and rapid pulse.
“Residents need to be very careful as we go through summer heat waves. Use common sense when going outside, and please make sure to check up on neighbors who may have increased susceptibility to the dangers associated with the heat,” Township Manager Scott Carew added.
Burlington County has cooling centers for those who don’t have access to air-conditioned environments. Cooling centers nearby are at the Moorestown Mall and Moorestown Library. For a complete list, visit the Burlington County website at www.co.burlington.nj.us.
“The county provides residents who do not have air conditioning with the option of utilizing our cooling sites located throughout the county,” O’Brien said.
For more information, contact the Burlington County Health Department at (609) 265–5548 or visit CDC.gov/extremeheat.
