Extreme Heat Prompts Warning To Basking Ridge Locals: See Cooling Centers

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Heat Advisory has been issued for Basking Ridge and Somerset County by the National Weather Service as heat index values up to 107 are expected this week.

As a result, the Somerset County Department of Health (SCDoH) is urging residents to protect themselves by opening cooling centers and offering tips on how to keep cool.

"The extreme heat we’re experiencing can be dangerous, particularly for older residents, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions," said Somerset County Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison with the SCDoH. "The heat indexes are expected to be at their highest, above 100°F, on Wednesday and Thursday but the high temperatures are likely to continue at least through Sunday so everyone should continue to take precautions throughout the weekend."

Somerset County has activated cooling centers throughout the county. Below is a list or residents can call 211 or visit soconj.gov/coolingcenters:

Somerset County offered the following tips for protecting yourself and loved ones while temperatures are dangerously high:

• Keep yourself cool - stay indoors during the hottest times of the day, seek out air-conditioned locations, such as libraries, malls, and other public facilities. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers or baths.
• Avoid outdoor activities or limit them to the morning and evening hours. Avoid direct sunlight whenever possible.
• Wear appropriate clothing - choose loose, light-colored clothing; use a shade hat or an umbrella to block the sun.
• Wear sunscreen - sunburn affects your body's ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
• Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose through sweat. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and sugary drinks. If you have a health condition that requires that you limit fluids, talk with your doctor about your situation.
• Do not leave children or pets in cars even if the windows are cracked open under any circumstance. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures within minutes.
• Do not leave pets outdoors.
• Check often on family, friends, and neighbors who are at high risk.

Older adults, young children, those with pre-existing conditions, and people with mental illness are at higher risk for heat-related illness. Young and healthy individuals can also be at risk if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion: muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting. Individuals with signs of overheating should be moved to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes, and slowly drink a cool beverage. Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion should get immediate medical attention if conditions do not quickly improve.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, dry skin; a rapid, strong pulse; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness, and can result in death or permanent disability if not treated quickly. For someone suffering from heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately and begin cooling them down for heat exhaustion.

For more information about how to prevent heat-related illness, visit the Centers for Disease and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat, or the Somerset County Health Department’s website at co.somerset.nj.us/health .

Have a news tip? Email [email protected]