Cooling Centers, With Aid, Available in Madison Today

If you have nowhere else to go today to get out of the oppressive heat, or wish to be around others who are looking to stay cool, there are two places you should head if you're in the Rose City.

Cooling centers are available at the Senior Center at 28 Walnut St. and the Madison Public Library at 39 Keep St.

The Senior Center will be open today until 4:30 p.m. and will be serving refreshments, while the library on will be open until 9 p.m. Borough Administrator Ray Codey said there will also be staff and nurses there to help those having any health-related problems due to the heat.

The Madison Community Pool is also open from noon to 8 p.m. today, giving residents another option to get out of the heat.

This is the second day in a row in which the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Morris County. Today's advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The advisory said another day of near record temperatures is forecast with similar heat index values of those of Tuesday.

Tuesday's advisory took place at noon and continued through 8 p.m., while calling for record temperatures of near 100 degrees with the heat index rising to between 100 and 105 degrees. Those estimates proved to be accurate.

The service's advisory for today said people should avoid spending time outdoors, remain in air conditioned locations if possible, and to check on elderly relatives and neighbors.

It also said coaches, trainers, camp counselors, and lifeguards should remain alert for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It also suggested keeping pets in a cool location, and to provide them with plenty of water.

Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps Captain Jim DeVico gave an extensive list of tips for residents trying to stay safe during the heat wave Tuesday on Madison Patch.

The National Weather Service is calling for break from the extreme temperatures of the last few days on Thursday. However, until then the library and Senior Center offer places to cool down.