Temperatures are expected to top out around 96 degree today, with a peak heat index of more than 100 degrees.
The Camden County Health Office has issued a heat alert for Saturday in Cherry Hill Township. The latest forecasts have temperatures peaking around 96 degrees today with a peat heat index of more than 100 degrees.
With a heat alert in effect, municipalities are required to open designated cool centers in their towns. In Cherry Hill, the Cherry Hill Public Library. Carman Tilelli Community Center and Cherry Hill Mall are the township’s designated cooling centers. The community center and library are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mall is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch from 11 a.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. on Monday. Heat index values are expected to be from 100 to 105 degrees on each of those three days.
The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services released the following tips for residents to avoid heat-related illnesses.
- Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
- Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
- Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
- Do not leave older people, children or pets alone in cars.
- The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.
The Camden County Freeholder Board is distributing free fans to senior citizens age 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less. To request a fan or for more information, call the Camden County Division of Senior Services at (856) 858–3220.
