The Camden County Health Officer has issued a heat alert today, June 17, and tomorrow, June 18, effective 12 noon to 7 p.m. each day. Residents should contact their municipality for the location of their local cooling center. The latest weather forecast obtained by Camden County predicts the temperature will rise to near 93 and the heat index will hit 100 for the remainder of the week.
“When the Health Officer issues a Heat Alert, municipalities are notified that it would be appropriate to open municipal cooling centers to the public. Each municipality in Camden County has identified and is responsible for activating its own municipal cooling center,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “Please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors during the heat emergency, and do not over exert yourself outdoors in the sun.”
Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get to immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency, dial 911.
Cherry hill has three designated cooling centers. They are the Cherry Hill Public Library on Kings Highway, the community center in front of town hall, and the Cherry Hill Mall.