PHOTO: Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, said, “With the forecast of temperatures in the 90’s this week and the heat index close to 100 degrees or more, it is important to remember that people need to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.”

An Air Quality Alert is also in effect until 11 PM tonight.

Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to the Office of Senior Services, said the heatwave is especially dangerous to the county’s senior citizens. “We ask our seniors to drink plenty of water and stay indoors in air conditioning if possible,” Vicari said. “Family members, friends and neighbors should also check in with older residents to ensure that they are okay.”

The Office of Senior Services with the assistance of the Health Department has prepared a free “Beat the Heat” guide filled with tips and advice on how to stay safe during the summer’s hottest days. The guide is available under the Office of Senior Services on the Ocean County Website www.co.ocean.nj.us or by calling 1-800-668-4899.

Vicari said the 21 branches of the Ocean County Library system are also open normal hours and are fully air conditioned. “Each local library branch makes for an ideal cooling station,” he said.

“There are some very simple precautions that you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during extended periods of heat,” said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator. “This is especially important for children and seniors who are more at risk for heat-related illnesses. Stay in the air-conditioning, drink plenty of fluids, water is best, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, wear light clothing and limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Take these necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion of heat stroke:
o Stay cool.
▪ If you do not have air-conditioning, visit the local library, a supermarket, the Mall, the movies, etc.
o Stay hydrated.
▪ Drink more water than usual.
▪ Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
▪ Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amount of sugar.
▪ Make sure everyone in your family is drinking enough water, also.
o Stay informed.
▪ Check your local news for extreme heat warning and safety tips.
▪ Keep your family aware of weather and heat safety information.

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