News

August 22, 2017

City Urges Newark Residents to take Precautions During Hot Weather Days

← Back to News overview

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness (DHCW) Director Mark J. Wade today advised that hot weather impacting the Newark region today could be unsettling to vulnerable populations. While the City of Newark will NOT be opening cooling sites today, residents are urged to visit the following locations to beat the heat:

 

  • Malls and shopping centers
  • Libraries
  • Museums
  • Movie theaters
  • Your local recreation center
  • YMCA
  • Your local Costco, Sam’s Club     or BJs
  • Water parks

 

“The City of Newark faced a heat wave of temperatures greater than 90 degrees yesterday and today and the rest of the week will continue to be warm.  The Health Department urges Newark residents to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from the heat, especially among vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions. Newark residents who are vulnerable should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Residents are urged to check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors to help them stay cool,” Mayor Baraka said.

For additional information how to beat the heat, visit http://www.newarknj.gov or the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness’ social media at http://www.facebook.com/NewarkDHCW and http://www.twitter.com/NewarkDHCW.

Residents are encouraged to use air conditioning to stay cool or to retreat to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home; to drink water at regular intervals, and to limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Residents are also urged to check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors during this time. Here are additional health tips to keep in mind during the heat advisory: 

 

CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT

A small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer: Get to know your neighbors, and contact neighbors and relatives—in person or by phone—at least twice a day during heat waves. Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. Citizens should also check in on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

  • Air conditioning is the best     way to stay cool when it is hot outside, especially during a heat     advisory. However, some people do not have an air conditioner or do not     turn it on when they need it. Newark residents are encouraged to use air     conditioning. If air conditioning is unavailable at a residence,     please assist those affected to get to a place where it is available.
  • Stay out of the sun. This is     the quickest way to become overheated. Also, avoid extreme temperature     changes.
  • Wear lightweight, bright or     light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.
  • Drink fluids—water is best—even     if you do not feel thirsty. Water is also the safest liquid to drink     during heat emergencies. This will help your body to maintain a cooler     temperature. If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics,     please consult your physician first. Avoid beverages containing alcohol     and/or caffeine.
  • Eat small, frequent meals.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, especially     during the sun’s peak hours, which are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must     perform any strenuous activity, it is advisable to do it during the     coolest part of the day, which is in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.    
  • If possible, go to an     air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the     day.
  • Cool down with a cool bath or     shower.
  • Participate in activities that     will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, book stores, shopping at     a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
  • Cover all exposed skin with an     SPF sunscreen (15 or above)
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to     protect your face and head.
  • Never leave children or pets in     the car.
  • The City of Newark may open     cooling centers in the five wards when     temperatures reach extremely high temperature and humidity levels. If cooling     centers do open, you may find the nearest ones     by calling: (973) 733-4311; go to http://www.ci.newark.nj.us/      or follow us on Facebook.

 

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem like an inconvenience, your cooperation will help to ensure that utilities are able to continue to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors.

  • Set air conditioners at 78     degrees Fahrenheit. (A 75F setting uses 18% more electricity and a 72F     setting uses 39% more electricity.) This setting allows for sufficient     cooling while still conserving electric power.
  • Use an air conditioner only     when home. If you want to cool your room before you arrive home, use a     timer to have it turn on no more than one-half hour before you arrive.

 

FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS

Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also exasperate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness. The risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:

 

· Do not have or do not use air conditioning

· Are age 65 or older

· Have chronic medical or mental health conditions

· Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature

· Are confined to their beds, have trouble with being mobile, or are unable to leave their homes

·  Are overweight

·  Consume alcohol or illegal drugs

 

Know the warning signs of heat stress!

  • If you (or someone you know) feels     weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is     no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

 

Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:

  • Hot dry skin OR cold clammy     skin
  • Trouble breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Confusion, disorientation, or     dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting

   

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

The summer months can be just as uncomfortable for pets as it is for humans. Pets are affected by humidity as much as the ambient hot temperatures. Follow these tips for keeping your four-legged family members comfortable during the heat advisory.

  • Avoid dehydration: Pets can     dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
  • Exercise early and late: When     the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt.     Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
  • Know when your pet is in     danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or     difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild     weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and     Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as     effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as     possible.
  • Never leave a pet inside of a     parked car on a hot day. Even with the windows open, extreme temperatures     inside a parked can could quickly lead to fatal heat stroke for your pet.
  • Keep cats safe by installing     screens in your windows. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats,     who fall out of them often during summer months.
  • Prepare with your pet: Pet     food, water, medications and supplies should always be included in your     emergency preparedness plans and “go bags.”

 

“The City of Newark and The Department of Health and Community Wellness are always available to answer any questions that you may have during this heat advisory. We are working to make our City one that we can all be healthy in and believe in!” said Director Wade.