Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated, seek air conditioning, and recognize signs of heat illness; children and pets should never be left in vehicles
Summer may be approaching its unofficial end, but New Jersey residents should not let their guard down when temperatures climb.
Extreme heat can quickly turn from uncomfortable to dangerous, causing dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. New Jersey health officials say recent heat waves have demonstrated just how serious the threat can be.
During four days of extreme heat from July 1 through July 4, New Jersey recorded 387 heat-related emergency department visits and 29 suspected heat-related deaths, according to preliminary figures from the state Department of Health.
“We cannot overstate how important it is to take extreme heat seriously, no matter how young or old, healthy or not,” state Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington said after the deadly July heat wave.
Heat can affect anyone, but older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers and people exercising outdoors face heightened risks. Some medications can also make it harder for the body to cope with high temperatures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a straightforward approach: Stay cool, stay hydrated and know the warning signs of heat-related illness. People spending extended periods outdoors should seek shade, take frequent breaks and schedule strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day whenever possible.
“During these hot days, individuals should take steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness,” said Andrew R. Gallucci, an associate professor of health, human performance and recreation at Baylor University in Texas. “Some steps you can take to minimize these risks are scheduling outdoor activities in the cooler parts of the day, ensuring you have consumed enough fluids and taking more frequent rest breaks when outside.”
Air conditioning can be lifesaving
During periods of dangerous heat, residents without air conditioning should seek cooler public spaces rather than simply trying to endure high indoor temperatures.
The CDC advises using air conditioning or going to an air-conditioned location. Fans can help under some conditions, but the agency warns against relying on them when indoor temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher because they can actually increase body temperature.
New Jersey maintains resources to help residents find relief. The state Department of Environmental Protection’s Heat Hub includes the “Chill Out NJ” interactive map of libraries, beaches, parks, splash pads and other places where residents may escape the heat. Official emergency cooling centers are designated separately by local emergency management agencies. Residents can call 2-1-1 to locate one during a heat emergency.
The state also operates a Code Red pilot program in Camden, Essex, Hudson, Mercer and Monmouth counties, providing services that can include cooling centers, hydration, transportation assistance and outreach for people particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
Hydration is critical
Health authorities recommend drinking fluids regularly rather than waiting until thirst becomes severe. People outdoors should carry water and refill their bottles throughout the day.
The CDC recommends limiting beverages high in sugar or sodium as well as caffeine and alcohol. Light yellow or clear urine generally indicates adequate hydration.
Other precautions include wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; seeking shade; taking cool showers or baths; limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours; and checking regularly on older relatives, neighbors and others who live alone.
Athletes and outdoor workers should consider adjusting schedules so the most strenuous activity takes place during cooler morning or evening hours.
Know the warning signs
Heat illness can escalate rapidly, making it important to recognize symptoms before a medical emergency develops.
Heat cramps can be an early warning. Heavy sweating accompanied by muscle pain or spasms means a person should stop strenuous activity, move somewhere cooler and begin replacing fluids.
Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and cool or clammy skin. A person experiencing those symptoms should stop activity, get into a cool or air-conditioned location, loosen clothing, use cool wet cloths and drink water if able.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include a dangerously high body temperature, confusion, fainting, severe headache, dizziness, nausea or loss of consciousness.
Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected. Move the person into shade or air conditioning, remove excess clothing and begin cooling the body while waiting for emergency medical personnel.
The CDC says symptoms of overheating can include muscle cramps, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness and nausea.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
One of the most preventable dangers associated with hot weather occurs inside parked vehicles.
It is never safe to leave a child, vulnerable adult or pet inside a parked car, even for a short period. Vehicle interiors can become dangerously hot with astonishing speed, and cracking the windows does not eliminate the danger.
Since 1998, at least 1,067 children have died from pediatric vehicular heatstroke in the United States, according to NoHeatstroke.org, which tracks the deaths. As of Aug. 19, 23 children had died in hot vehicles in 2026. The organization recorded 34 deaths in 2025.
More than half of the children who died from vehicular heatstroke between 1998 and 2025 were younger than 2. In about 53% of the cases examined by researchers, the child had been forgotten by a caregiver. Nearly 24% involved children who gained access to vehicles on their own.
The National Weather Service advises parents and caregivers to keep parked vehicles locked, including those sitting in their own driveways, so young children cannot climb inside and become trapped.
Pets face similar dangers. They should have continuous access to fresh water and shade, and walks should generally be scheduled for cooler portions of the day. Hot pavement can also burn paws.
Check on neighbors and loved ones
Extreme heat becomes especially dangerous when people are isolated.
Health officials encourage residents to check on older relatives, neighbors living alone, people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses. Pregnant women and people taking medications that can affect hydration or the body’s ability to regulate temperature should consult health care providers about additional precautions.
People who depend on refrigerated medication or electrically powered medical equipment should also have a plan for power outages during severe summer weather.
New Jersey officials stress that residents should not assume someone who appears unconscious during extreme heat is simply sleeping. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or appears seriously ill.
Heat can remain dangerous into the fall
Although Labor Day traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer, dangerous heat does not necessarily follow the calendar.
The National Weather Service notes that heat-related vehicle deaths have occurred as early as April and, particularly in warmer parts of the country, as late as December.
For New Jersey residents, the safest approach whenever temperatures surge is simple: Drink plenty of water, reduce strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, seek air conditioning, check on vulnerable neighbors and never leave a person or animal unattended in a parked vehicle.
Residents looking for an official cooling center during a New Jersey heat emergency can call 2-1-1. The state also provides heat information and cooling resources through its Heat Hub.
National Weather Service heat safety guidance
CDC heat and health guidance
New Jersey Heat Hub
NoHeatstroke.org hot-car statistics
Leave a Reply