In light of the recent high temperatures, Freeholder Daniel O’Connell is reminding Burlington County residents to stay cool, stay hydrated and to stay informed.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning through 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. The heat index values up to 110 degrees due to temperatures in the upper 90’s. The highest heat index values will occur during the daytime, especially on Saturday.
“With rising temperatures, it is important to drink more fluids and be mindful of keeping cool to help you and your loved ones avoid heat-related illnesses,” said Freeholder O’Connell, liaison to the Health Department. “Residents that plan to go outside should wear loose, lightweight clothing and never leave any persons, especially infants or young children, or animals in a closed, parked vehicle.”
The excessive heat may quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke, especially during outdoor exertion or extended exposure, so residents are urged to take extra precautions. The County has set-up cooling centers during the excessive temperatures.
Below is a list of County Cooling Sites:
- Burlington County Library Branches:https://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/libraries
- Moorestown Mall, located at 400 NJ-38, Moorestown. Its phone number is (856) 231-4444.
- Hours:
| Sunday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Monday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are some tips for preventing heat-related illness:
- Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
- Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
- Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity.
- Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
- Stay Hydrated and Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Also, keep your pets hydrated. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
- Stay Informed: For additional information dial 211 or follow the County on Facebook at BurlingtonCountyNJ
- Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others: infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, people who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise and people who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia or poor circulation.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. In an emergency, dial 911. For more information contact the Burlington County Health Department at (609) 265-5548 or visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.
