Children, seniors, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning face heightened risks as dangerous temperatures can linger into fall
Dangerous heat can linger well into September, leaving New Jersey residents vulnerable to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other potentially deadly illnesses.
Health and emergency officials are urging residents to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, seek air conditioning and check on children, older adults and others particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
The danger is not theoretical. 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 released by 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 July heat wave.
Extreme heat is among the deadliest weather hazards in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says heat-related illnesses occur when the body can no longer cool itself properly.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions or disabilities, and those without air conditioning face greater risks. Outdoor workers and athletes are also particularly vulnerable.
“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.
Gallucci recommends scheduling outdoor activities during cooler portions of the day, drinking enough fluids, and taking frequent rest breaks.
Health authorities advise people not to wait until they become severely thirsty before drinking water. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing can help, as can staying in the shade and taking cool showers or baths.
Residents without air conditioning should consider spending the hottest hours in air-conditioned public places, including libraries, malls and designated cooling centers.
Know the warning signs
Heat illness can progress rapidly.
Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and cool, clammy skin. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should stop strenuous activity, move to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths, and drink water if able.
Heat stroke is far more dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include a dangerously high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, severe headache, fainting, nausea, or loss of consciousness.
Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected. Move the person to an air-conditioned or shaded location, remove excess clothing, and begin cooling the body while waiting for emergency personnel.
Hot cars can become death traps
One of the most preventable heat-related dangers involves children left inside vehicles.
At least 1,067 children have died from pediatric vehicular heatstroke in the United States since 1998, according to NoHeatstroke.org, which tracks such deaths.
A parked vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes, even when outside temperatures do not seem extreme. Cracking the windows does not make it safe to leave a child or pet inside.
The National Weather Service warns that children can also enter unlocked vehicles on their own and become trapped. Parents and caregivers should keep vehicles locked, even when parked at home, and keep keys out of children’s reach.
The same precautions apply to pets. Animals should have access to fresh water and shade, and owners should avoid walking dogs on pavement hot enough to burn their paws.
Don’t assume summer’s end means the danger is over
Heat emergencies can occur beyond the traditional summer months. Officials recommend monitoring weather forecasts and emergency alerts whenever unusually high temperatures are expected.
Residents should also check on older neighbors, relatives living alone, and people with disabilities or medical conditions.
The basic precautions are simple: Stay hydrated. Stay cool. Limit strenuous activity. Check on others. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Those steps can mean the difference between an uncomfortable summer day and a medical emergency.
NEW JERSEY HEAT EMERGENCY GUIDE
Where to cool down — and what to do when temperatures become dangerous
Find a cooling center: During extreme heat emergencies, New Jersey municipalities and counties may open libraries, senior centers, community centers, and other air-conditioned facilities as cooling centers. Residents can dial 2-1-1 for information about available services and locations.
Use the state’s Heat Hub: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Heat Hub includes heat-risk information and the Chill Out NJ map showing libraries, parks, beaches, splash pads and other places where residents can find relief. These locations should not automatically be assumed to be official emergency cooling centers.
Know about Code Red: New Jersey’s Code Red pilot program provides additional assistance during dangerous heat in Camden, Essex, Hudson, Mercer and Monmouth counties. Services can include cooling centers, transportation, water and outreach to vulnerable residents.
Sign up for alerts: Residents should enroll in emergency notification systems operated by their county or municipality and pay attention to National Weather Service heat advisories, watches and warnings.
If your home becomes dangerously hot: Go to an air-conditioned location. Do not rely solely on an electric fan when indoor temperatures become extremely high.
Check on vulnerable people: Older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and people living without air conditioning may need assistance before they ask for it.
During a power outage: Have a plan for refrigerated medications and electrically powered medical equipment, keep phones and backup batteries charged, and identify an air-conditioned place that can be reached safely.
Heat stroke is an emergency: Confusion, fainting, loss of consciousness, or a dangerously elevated body temperature can indicate heat stroke. Call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while help is on the way.
Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle: Children, vulnerable adults, and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle — even briefly and even with the windows partly open.
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