Village Restricts Sprinklers, Offers Cooling Center to Combat Heat

Updated: 1:30 p.m.

Responding to high temperatures and a lack of rainfall, the village imposed water restrictions and offered a cool zone Tuesday morning.

Village Manager Dr. Kenneth Gabbert issued a Stage 4 water restriction today, which prohibits irrigation through sprinklers and hoses.

"Due to recent weather conditions and the resulting increase in demand for water, the normal reserve maintained for fighting fires and maintaining pressure in the system has dropped to unacceptably low levels," the village announced via its website.

Following a recommendation from Ridgewood Water Director Frank Moritz, Gabbert announced the restriction—the most critical designation—before noon today, banning all automatic and manual sprinklers. Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park customers should adhere to the ban until further notice.

"We apologize for the need to restrict your outdoor irrigation, but public health and fire safety are our primary responsibilities," Gabbert said.

The village posted information on its website and activated its Reverse 911 system to inform Ridgewood Water customers. People may call 201-670-5520 or 201-670-5526 with specific questions. 

Following yesterday's sweltering Fourth of July ceremonies, the village responded to the potential high of 100 degrees Tuesday.

Predicting potential record temperatures, the National Weather Service in Mt. Holly said the heat index should rise to 100 to 105 degrees this afternoon, with similar heat index values possible for Wednesday. Things should cool off by Thursday and a cold front from the northwest is anticipated to arrive during the weekend.

Entities throughout Ridgewood are attempting to combat the humidity and allow residents to weather the heat wave.

Village Hall itself is available as a cooling center for residents. Open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Senior Lounge and Community Center in the lower level of Village Hall is available to any resident needing a cool, relaxing place to get out of the heat.

At Graydon Pool, the manager's office said it tries to rotate lifeguard shifts to minimize exposure to the heat. Additionally, all lifeguards are under umbrellas. The pool itself is operating normally.

Although the Ridgewood Public Library doesn't offer any specific heat relief programs, spokesperson Barbara Hand said, "We welcome any residents who need a cool and peaceful place to visit during the heat wave."

The American Red Cross in Ridgewood offered several tips to stay safe during the heat warning. According to Sue Franson, residents should avoid working outside, consuming beverages with alcohol or caffeine, and never leave children or pets in enclosed vehicles.

Additionally, people should:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.

According to PSE&G, today's peak electric demand is expected to be about 10,500 megawatts, which would be the highest so far this summer. Actual usage won't be able to be determined until later today. The highest demand on record is 11,108 megawatts on August 2, 2006, the utility said.

Although PSE&G expects to handle the demand, it advises some conservation tips:

•  Turn off everything you're not using; lights, TVs, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun's heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
• Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.
• Delay heat-producing tasks such as washing and drying laundry or dishes until later in the day, and wait until load is full.