The local National Weather Service has predicted excessive heat for Wednesday, July 20, at 10 a.m. through Sunday, July 24, at 8 p.m. in our area. The Burlington County Health Department is asking residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness during the high temperatures this week.
The Burlington County Freeholders will continue distributing electric box fans to qualified residents — the elderly or infirm who meet income levels. The Office on Aging is screening applicants and the Office of Human Services is distributing the fans. Residents can call (609) 265–5069 during normal business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dial 2–1–1 after business hours to apply for a fan and get advice on avoiding heat-related illnesses.
“Everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, but some people are at a greater risk than others,” Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien said. “Infants and young children, persons over the age of 65, people with mental disabilities and those who are physically ill, are most at risk for suffering a heat-related illness.”
It is recommended that these individuals be visited at least twice a day and watched for any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Residents who may live in homes where there is no air conditioning are to be advised to go to public facilities in the county (i.e. malls, libraries, etc.) that are open for business during peak heat hours.
“Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are preventable,’’ Robert Gogats, public health coordinator, said. “The first step is to drink plenty of water. Dehydration will often occur on days when there are high temperatures and can progress into more serious heat-related illness. This is why drinking water is so vital.’’
The Health Department also provided additional tips to prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses:
- Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol — these fluids dehydrate the body rather than hydrate like water and sports drinks
- Avoid carbonated beverages, which can cause bloating and keep people from drinking enough fluid to rehydrate
- Wear light colored, absorbent, loose fitting clothing
- Stay in cool, shady areas when possible, protect your skin with sun block
- Limit your exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of nonalcoholic fluids each hour
Heat exhaustion and heat stoke occur when bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. Heat stroke is an extreme rise in body temperature and the body cannot rid itself of the excess heat. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not sought. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke that can occur from long exposures to high temperatures.
Each year, more people die from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lighting, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. On average, approximately 300 people die each year from extreme heat. Typically, in New Jersey fewer than five people die annually from heat stroke.
For more information on heat-related illnesses, prevention tips and first aid recommendations please go to:
- Burlington County Health Department web site — www.co.burlington.nj.us
- New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Service — www.state.nj.us/health
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — www.cdc.gov
