Community Corner

Excessive Heat Blankets Moorestown

Temperatures could reach triple digits on Thursday—and it will feel that warm Wednesday.

Temperatures across the state are expected to spike beginning today, and residents are being urged to stay safe in the hot weather. 

"High temperatures and humid conditions have the possibility of making outdoor activities and non air-conditioned facilities extremely dangerous and uncomfortable," State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes said in a release.

The National Weather Service forecasted a high of 97 Wednesday and 99 on Thursday, but heat indexes will make it feel up to 104 degrees. It returns to a more reasonable 91 on Friday before falling into the upper 80s over the weekend.

Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fuentes, who also serves as the state's director of the Office of Emergency Management, said the excessive heat can cause a variety of health issues for people of all ages. They can include "heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sometimes death." He added, "These threats can be minimized and eliminated if we practice heat-related precautions and guidelines."

New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd said the risk is especially high for the elderly and children. "Hot, dry skin, an absence of sweat and a rapid and strong pulse are all signs of heat stroke," she said. "If you have elderly family members, friends or neighbors, be sure to check in on them to make sure they are keeping cool, especially if they live alone."

Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There are several basic steps people can take to ensure their safety during the hot weather provided by Fuentes and O'Dowd. Among them are:

  • Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible.
  • If you do go outside stay in the shade.
  • If your home is not air-conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place. 
  • Wear sunscreen outside, along with loose-fitting, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
  • Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty.  Limit alcohol and sugary drinks that speed dehydration.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in the car.
  • Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Be a good neighbor, check on elderly and people with disabilities in your community who may need assistance keeping cool.

Residents also are encouraged to contact their local and county authorities to find out about cooling stations in their town. 

For more information check out the state's OEM website or the National Weather Service Health Safety page.


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