Washington - Senator Robert Menendez today urged New Jerseyans to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors from the heat wave currently gripping the state.

"With temperatures still climbing and the heat index already well over 100 degrees, it is imperative that New Jerseyans look out for children and the elderly who are most susceptible to the dangers of excessive heat. Today 100, tomorrow 104, and over 100 again on Saturday; the next few days are a good time to drink plenty of water, find an air-conditioned place to stay cool, and regularly check on children and elderly neighbors to make sure that they are okay," said Senator Menendez.

Below is a list of tips for protecting yourself, family, and neighbors from the heat, along with a list of cooling centers and places to get more information about how to keep safe as the temperature rises.

TIPS FOR STAYING COOL AND PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's webpage on extreme heat there are several things you can do to prevent heat-related illness:

  • Drink extra fluids, regardless of your activity level, and make sure to drink before you are thirsty (consult your doctor if she/he usually limits how much fluid you drink or has you on water pills)
  • Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar because they cause you to lose more body fluid, and be careful with very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps
  • Stay indoors and, if at all possible, in an air conditioned place; if your home does not have air conditioning, spend at least a few hours at a shopping mall or public library to bring down your body temperature (also see the information below about finding a local cooling center)
  • Electric fans may make you feel more comfortable, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans cannot prevent heat-related illness; instead try taking a cool shower or bath and spending time in an air-conditioned place
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
  • Never leave anyone, or your family pet, in a closed, parked vehicle
  • Be especially careful to regularly check on infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, people who have a mental illness, and those who are physically ill-especially with heart disease or high blood pressure; visit adults twice a day and monitor infants and young children much more frequently; signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red, hot, and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headaches, dizziness, and nausea
  • If you must be outside, try to limit your activity to morning and evening hours
  • Cut down on outdoor exercise, but if you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool nonalcoholic fluids each hour
  • Try to rest often in shady areas
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen SPF 15 or higher that includes "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on the label

HOW TO FIND COOLING CENTERS IN NEW JERSEY AND GET MORE INFORMATION

  • You can also call (toll-free) 1-877-222-3737 and be connected to their county's Office on Aging
  • Dialing 211 will connect you to a toll-free helpline that will provide information about heat safety resources

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