Cooling Stations Available In Madison During Heat Wave + Safety Tips

MADISON, NJ — New Jersey, and the Madison area, are in the middle of a heat wave that is expected to continue through at least Sunday night, with highs well into the 90s each day.

There are several locations in Madison that locals can visit this week and weekend to take a break from the heat:

• Madison Public Safety Complex, 62 Kings Road
  • Call (973) 593-3000 to confirm daily hours.
• Madison Public Library, 39 Keep Street
  • Monday–Wednesday: 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
  • Thursday–Friday: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
  • Saturday: 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.
  • Sunday (Summer): Closed
• The Madison Civic Center, 28 Walnut Street
  • Monday–Friday: 8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
• Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, 50 Kings Road
  • Monday–Friday: 8 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

People of all ages, according to the NWS, are at risk from the deadly effects of heat. Prolonged heat exposure can overwork your body's natural cooling system, causing damage to your body.

Taking proper health precautions should be the primary concern during a heat wave.

The following are the most serious heat-related conditions:

• Heat Exhaustion – Profuse sweating, Muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
• Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency that can lead to disability or even death. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

To reduce risk while working outside, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and staying hydrated.

Take the following precautions to keep your family and friends safe:

• Have basic emergency supplies on hand, including extra bottles of water.
• Consider the impact of heat on your activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Drink plenty of water; dehydration is a primary health hazard during severe hot weather.
• If air conditioning is unavailable, go to a cooler location in your home, such as a basement.
• Check on seniors or those living alone who may have difficulty in hot conditions. Make sure they are also drinking plenty of water and staying as cool as possible.

Forecasters predict Sunday will be the hottest day of the weekend, with a high temperature of 97 degrees in Madison.