Two heat advisories have already been issued by Camden County this summer as a pair of heatwaves have hit the Delaware Valley, with more expected on the way throughout July and August.
As such, both the county and the borough are offering residents tips on how to stay safe, sane and cool as temperatures and humidity rise.
To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends that residents avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas, but wear a head covering if doing so; use air conditioners and/or fans, and open as many windows as possible to release trapped hot air; wear lightweight clothing; drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool, 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; make sure your pets also have plenty of fresh drinking water.
Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez also advises residents to look for early warning signs of heat stress, which manifest themselves as: decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should head to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.
“To me that is the most important thing: that we work as a community to prevent heat-related issues. Check on your elders, make sure your pets are safe, not locked in vehicles, and make sure that your children who are outside playing are hydrated. And for seniors, make sure if they don’t have air conditioning, that their windows are open. If not, it can create a dire situation where body temperatures can rise. We hope for a safe and cool summer for the remainder of the season,” said Rodriguez.
The Camden County Freeholder Board is once again distributing free fans to seniors this year. Residents age 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less are eligible to receive a fan at no cost. To request a fan or to obtain more information, please call the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at (856) 858-3220.
Linda Harrington, coordinator for the borough’s Office of Emergency Management, chimed in with tips on how Haddonfield residents can beat the heat.
“Those in need of respite from the heat are welcome at the Mabel Kay Senior Center (24 Walnut St.), the Haddonfield Public Library, as well as Haddonfield Borough Hall. Shopping malls and movie theaters are a good place to cool down, and three area malls (Cherry Hill, Moorestown, and Deptford) and their nearby movie theaters can be reached directly by air-conditioned bus from Haddonfield’s PATCO station,” she stated.
For those who wish to get in some exercise while cooling down, Crystal Lake Pool, on Crystal Lake Avenue in nearby Haddon Township, is open to the public, closing at 8 p.m. seven days a week. Cost of visiting is $20 per day for those who live outside Haddon Township.
Harrington further advised, if anyone in the borough is suffering from a heat-related illness, immediate medical attention should be sought by calling 911.
