Beware Of Extreme Heat This Summer, Livingston Officials Warn

LIVINGSTON, NJ — As the summer heat ramps up, the Township of Livingston is reminding local residents to take precautions when extreme temperatures strike – especially involving heat-related illnesses.

According to town officials, “extreme heat” is defined as a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two days.

“In extreme heat, the body works much harder to maintain a normal temperature; the extra strain of this can lead to heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or — in extreme cases — death,” a municipal advisory warns.

Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards, town officials said. See Related: ‘Do I Have Heat Stroke?’ Here Are Some Signs, New Jersey Experts Say

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded.” Infants, children up to four years of age, and the elderly are at greatest risk for heat-related illness. However, the CDC reminds that “even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.”

The following safety tips come via the Township of Livingston.

Extreme Heat Preparation Tips

It is important to prepare for upcoming extreme heat. The best defense for extreme heat is preparation.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully; plan activities when it is cooler in the early morning or evening
  • The hottest time of the day is from about 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Make sure the central air conditioning unit is working properly
  • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them, if central air isn’t a viable option
• Identify places in the community that have air conditioning
  • Libraries, shopping malls, and a friend/family member’s home are all options
  • For information on any cooling centers in the area, contact the Livingston Health Department at 973-535-7961
• Cover windows with blinds, shades, or curtains to help keep the heat out and maintain cooler temperatures inside
• Use a powered attic ventilator or an attic fan to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air
  • Heat rises, so a cool attic will help cool the entire building
• Plan meals in advance; try for cool, light meals that avoid using a stove or oven
  • Hot and heavy meals add heat to the body
  • Stoves and ovens increase heat inside a kitchen and a home
• Prepare emergency plans for heat-sensitive family members and make their needs a top priority

Heat Safety Tips

It is important to be safe during extreme heat and be mindful of its potential dangers.

• NEVER leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open; hot cars can be deadly within a short period of time
  • As a reminder that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat; when the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver
  • When leaving the car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car; do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car
• Stay cool with cool showers/baths, cool towels, or water activities
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting summer clothing; if going outside, wear sunscreen along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the skin and eyes
• Don’t rely on a fan as a primary cooling device; fans only circulate the air and don’t reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses
• Drink plenty of fluids, regardless of activity levels — don’t wait to hydrate yourself
  • Stay away from very sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks
  • Keep your pets well hydrated also

Heat-Related Illness

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and the best ways to respond. If someone is sick and needs medical attention, contact a healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place, if possible. If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

• Heat Stroke
• Heat Cramps
  • Signs:
    • Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs
• Heat Exhaustion
  • Signs:
    • Heavy sweating
    • Paleness
    • Muscle cramps
    • Tiredness
    • Weakness
    • Fast or weak pulse
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Fainting
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
• If the signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion are present, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call a health care provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Stay Informed

• Check for Updates: Check the local news for extreme heat alerts, safety tips, and to learn about any cooling shelters in the area.
• Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of co-workers. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If someone is 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on them twice a day.
• 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
  • People who are physically ill — especially with heart disease or high blood pressure — or who take certain medications such as those for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

For more information, visit ready.gov/heat and cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat.

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