Cooling Centers Open In Ocean County For Relief From Heat

As a heat wave bakes New Jersey for the next few days, cooling centers are being opened around Ocean County for those who need relief.

The centers will be available during the hottest parts of the next few days, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for all of New Jersey through 8 p.m. on Saturday, with daytime heat index values of up to 110 degrees and overnight lows in the 80s that "will not offer any relief from the heat."

"This combined with multiple days of near record-breaking temperatures will exacerbate the impacts from the heat and humidity. The hottest conditions are expected to occur Thursday through Friday," the weather service said.

The cooling centers are at the following sites:

Ocean County's emergency shelter at 1959 Route 9 in Toms River;

Warm Hearts, 764 Ocean Ave., Lakewood;

Just Believe, 211 Center St., Lakehurst.

In addition, South Toms River will have its municipal building open Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. It is not affiliated with the county's cooling center program.

Those in need of relief also can go to the Ocean County library branches on Wednesday and Thursday; most are ope n from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours and locations can be found on the county library website. The libraries will be closed Friday and Saturday in observance of the July 4th holiday.

People who need immediate help are urged to call 211 or 1-877-652-1148.

Stay safe in the heat

The Ocean County Health Department issued the following reminders about precautions to take in the extreme heat, as it is one of the leading weather-related health hazards in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people die from extreme heat each year in the U.S., and thousands more require emergency medical care.

"Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, but they are also highly preventable," said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department public health coordinator. "Staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and recognizing the early warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help protect you and your loved ones. We encourage everyone to take this heat seriously and make safety a priority."

Heat Safety Tips

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, visit a library, shopping center, or designated cooling center.
• Limit outdoor activity. Schedule strenuous work or exercise during the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
• Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
• Check on others. Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning are at greater risk for heat-related illness.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise to life-threatening levels within minutes.
• Know the warning signs. Dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps may signal heat exhaustion. Confusion, loss of consciousness, or a body temperature above 103° F may indicate heat stroke—a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 assistance.
• Dog days of summer. Make sure your pets have plenty of water, limit outdoor breaks, and protect their paws from pavement and other hot surfaces.