The Office of the Camden County Health Officer has issued a heat alert for Camden County for today, Sept. 11 effective until 8 p.m.
Residents should contact their municipality for the location of their local cooling center.
The latest weather forecast obtained by Camden County predicts temperatures in the mid-90s with a heat index of 100 degrees.
“In light of it being September temperatures are still dangerously hot for young children, the elderly and pets. Residents should plan accordingly to stay out of the sun and make sure they are able to find relief from the heat,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “I always remind residents during heat waves to check on elderly relatives and neighbors during a heat emergency, and do not over exert yourself outdoors.”
When the county 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 the county has identified and is responsible for activating its individual cooling center.
To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following:
- Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering.
- A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
- Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
- Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
- Do not leave older people, children or pets alone in cars.
- The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.
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.
Cooling center locations:
Cherry Hill Township
Public Library, Kings Highway
Community Center, 820 Mercer Street
Cherry Hill Mall, Haddonfield Road
Haddonfield Borough
Mabel Kay House, 24 Walnut Street (next to the Acme parking lot)
Voorhees Township
Echelon Mall, Laurel Road
Voorhees Community Center (behind the police station)
