June 20, 2012 - MAYOR BOOKER URGES RESIDENTS TO KEEP COOL DURING HEAT ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
MAYOR BOOKER URGES RESIDENTS TO KEEP COOL DURING HEAT ADVISORY
Department of Child and Family Well-Being offers tips on avoiding heat exhaustion;
Residents are urged to stay indoors and drink plenty of fluids
Newark, NJ – June 20, 2012 – Mayor Cory A. Booker and Department of Child and Family Well-Being Director L’Tanya L. Williamson announced today that with extreme weather conditions affecting the City of Newark and the region, residents should take steps to avoid heat exhaustion. Newark residents, particularly senior citizens, are being urged to stay in air-conditioned environments during the hottest part of the day (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for today and the next two days. Temperatures are expected to hit 99 degrees tomorrow, with increasing humidity, which will make people outdoors feel as if the temperature is even greater. Temperatures are expected to continue to be above 95 degrees on Friday.
“With temperatures expected to hit over 95 degrees tomorrow and Friday, it is imperative that our residents drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors in a cool climate, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on your neighbors, particularly the elderly or the young,” said Mayor Booker.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke can include heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, dizziness, and headache, said Director Williamson. A list of hot weather health concerns, and measures to take, is attached below.
“Residents should use common sense and keep cool in a heat wave,” Director Williamson said. “Avoid exerting yourself, hydrate frequently, and limit exposure to the sun.”
In addition, due to the extreme temperatures expected tomorrow, the Farmers Market scheduled by the Newark Downtown District for PSE&G Plaza at Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street has been cancelled.
For more information about any City of Newark municipal policy or program, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.
-NEWARK-
Contact: Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004
HOT WEATHER TIPS
Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
STAY COOL
Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans circulate the warm air and do not effectively assist in cooling your home
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is hottest
• Avoid direct sunlight and use sun block on exposed skin
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day
STAY HYDRATED
Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat
• Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
• When working or exercising outside, drink between two to four cups of water every hour
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
STAY INFORMED
Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside.
• Stay informed by checking your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
• Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.
• Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips
• Learn the symptoms of heat illness