Heat Wave: Tips to Keep Cool and Stay Safe

A dangerous and deadly heat wave continues to smother Parsippany, with more record-breaking temperatures forecast through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Morris County and much of New Jersey through 8 p.m. Saturday. That means township residents need to take precautions to endure the swelter.

“Extreme heat affects all of us, but the most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor and people with a chronic medical condition,” said Christopher J. Portier, a Centers for Disease Control spokesperson. “Taking precautions to stay cool, hydrated and informed helps to prevent serious health effects, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke during extreme heat.”

Some symptoms of heat-related illness include nausea, dizziness and heavy sweating. Get victims to a cool, shady area as soon as possible and provide cool, nonalcoholic beverages, according to the CDC. If the person is having trouble breathing, loses consciousness or vomits, call 911 immediately. He or she may be suffering from heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says air conditioning is the best way to prevent heat-related illness and death. People who don’t have air conditioning at home may want to seek relief with family members or friends, a local mall or a movie theater.

Also consider spending time at Parsippany cooling centers during their regular operating hours:

• , 1130 Knoll Rd., Lake Hiawatha
• , 449 Halsey Rd,. Parsippany
• , 68 Nokomis Ave., Lake Hiawatha
• , 31 Trinity Park, Mt. Tabor

The CDC also offers these safety tips for dealing with the heat:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening, and rest often in shady areas.
• Drink often to stay hydrated, but avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or sugar.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Never leave children or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen–SPF 15 or higher. Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it as directed.
• Use the stove and oven less to keep your home cooler, and try not to eat hot or heavy meals; they add heat to your body.

With Par-Troy temperatures expected to hit a high of 98—and it should feel even hotter, thanks to high humidity—it is vital, according to the CDC, to check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors at least twice a day, to help ensure their health and safety during extreme heat spells.

For more information on heat safety, visit www.cdc.gov.