Baby, It's Hot Outside

While the classic Gershwin song reminisces, “Summertime, and the living is easy,” many Parsippany residents are finding that staying cool is anything but.

In extremely hot weather, the Centers for Disease Control cites air conditioning as “the number one preventative measure against heat-related illness and death.”

During a major heat wave, people are encouraged to spend time in air-conditioned locations such as shopping malls, public libraries or government-sponsored heat-relief shelters.

Thankfully, the township offers four cooling centers set up to help those who are need of a relief from this week's punishing heat:

• Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Rd., Lake Hiawatha (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Rd., Parsippany (9 a.m. - 9  p.m.)
• Lake Hiawatha Library, 68 Nokomis Ave., Lake Hiawatha (10 a.m. - 9 p.m.)
• Mt. Tabor Library, 31 Trinity Park, Mt. Tabor (10 a.m. - 9 p.m.)

In addition to air conditioning, the CDC also outlines several safety guidelines fordealing with extreme heat. The CDC reminds individuals to use common sensewhen trying to keep cool as well as the following tips:

• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they only add heat to your body.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or umbrellas.
• Limit sun exposure during midday hours, especially in areas of great exposure.
• Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
• Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
• Be sure to check on the elderly to ensure they are in air conditioning and have plenty of fluids.

While the hot weather may be a nuisance for some summer activities, it is a great opportunity to check out the offerings at your local library or get to know other township residents at the Community Center.