Summer’s First Heat Wave Hits Belleville-Nutley: Garbage Postponed, Safety Tips

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — A summer heat wave is already leaving an impact on the Belleville-Nutley area.

Weather forecasters are predicting that a blazing heat wave is headed New Jersey’s way this week. Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected across the state.

In Belleville and Nutley, forecasters say the temperature could reach upwards of 102 degrees on Thursday and Friday.

There is also a chance of rain on Friday and Saturday nights – potentially putting a damper on nearby Independence Day fireworks shows.

BELLEVILLE

Belleville officials announced that the town’s garbage company will be pulling its trucks from the road “in the interest of worker safety” amid the extreme heat at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

Belleville residents should leave their recycling at the curb. The garbage company will return at 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 2 to complete collection.

“If any scheduled pickups are missed on Thursday, please contact public works so the issue can be reported,” the township’s advisory added.

NUTLEY

The Nutley Health Department urged local residents to take steps to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke in a social media post on Monday.

Some hot-weather safety advice from the township includes:

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

Make sure children and the elderly are drinking water, and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.

If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, malls or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day.

Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.

Reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day.

Don't leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car – not even for a minute – as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.

Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications, such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

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