To our Hudson County Community,
Please see below the most recent weather update issued by the National Weather Service and heat safety resources.
…HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EDT THURSDAY…
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING…
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 97. For the Excessive Heat Watch, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 105 possible.
* WHERE… New Jersey in areas such as Somerset-Middlesex-Mercer-Salem-Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Including the cities of Camden, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, Pennsville, New Brunswick, Somerville, Mount Holly, Glassboro, and Trenton.
* WHEN…For the Heat Advisory, until 6 AM EDT Thursday. For the Excessive Heat Watch, from Thursday morning through Sunday evening.
* IMPACTS…Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on patients, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors. Young children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
…AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 19…
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a CODE ORANGE air quality alert for North and Central New Jersey. A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children…people suffering from asthma… heart disease or other lung diseases…and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. For more information on ground-level ozone and fine particles…visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/
HEAT SAFETY INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
FEMA Promotes Extreme Heat Safety and Preparedness Ahead of Dangerous Long Duration Heat Wave
Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. However, heat-related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable with proper planning, education and action. In April, FEMA launched its annual #SummerReady Campaign with an Extreme Heat Summit to help people and communities build local capacity to prepare for and take actionable steps to address extreme heat. The Summer Ready Campaign provides free and low-cost tips to protect against this serious hazard. As we continue to experience the impacts of this extreme hazards, FEMA urges individuals in affected areas to pay close attention to weather forecasts, heed the advice from local officials and follow these tips to stay safe during extreme heat.
Understand Your Risk and Hazard. Summer heat can be especially dangerous for older adults, those who work outside, people with certain health conditions, and those without access to air conditioning. It’s important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke and ways to respond. While all heat-related illnesses can require medical attention, heat stroke is always a medical emergency. If you experience or notice someone else experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and get the person to a cooler place right away.
Keep Everyone Safe. Never leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles. Heat can rise in a car up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. It is important to check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
Stay Cool. Fans alone aren’t enough in high heat and high humidity. FEMA encourages people and especially those that are vulnerable to go somewhere with air conditioning or visit a public place like the library, museum, or shopping mall to stay cool. Other ways to keep cool include wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, taking a cool shower or bath to cool off and if you are at home, keep curtains closed to keep the heat out.
Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty and avoid drinks with caffeine. If you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
Check the Air Quality. Hot weather can make air quality worse. Poor air quality can be especially dangerous for people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. You can enter your zip code on the AirNow.gov page to get air quality data where you live.
Thank you, stay safe and stay cool this summer!