Crime & Safety

Howell Emergency Management Tips to Stay Cool in Summer Heat

Heat index values are expected to hit at least 90 degrees through Sunday

Extreme heat is forecast the next few days with heat index values expected to hit at least 90 degrees during the first heat wave of the new summer season.

State and local authorities are asking residents to take precausions during the extreme weather. The Howell Office of Emergency management put out a lengthy advisory on Friday with helpful tips to avoid emergencies during this period of high heat.

The elderly, infants and children and those with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stressed and encouraged to spend time in locations with air condition.

Find out what's happening in Howellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tips during extreme heat, according to the state Department of Health:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
  • Slow down from your normal pace.
  • Spend time in air conditioning.
  • Draw shades, blinds and curtains in rooms exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Cool down with cool baths or showers.
  • Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
  • Wear SPF sunscreen.
  • Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
  • Do not leave animals, children or elderly inside a vehicle—even if you are just leaving for a minute and have the windows rolled down. This is still very dangerous.
  • Try not to leave animals outside. If you do, provide adequate shade and water.
  • Check on elderly and people with disabilities in your community who may need assistance keeping cool.

Residents should contact their local and/or county offices of emergency management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations, or call 2-1-1.

Find out what's happening in Howellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Additionally, an Ozone Action Day is declared for Monmouth County on Friday and Saturday.

The ozone is forecast to reach the unhealthy level for sensitive groups for central and southern New Jersey.

Sensitive individuals include the young, elderly and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Those people should avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and evening hours.

During heat waves, people may suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Below is a description of the heat related illnesses and what can be done to help someone deal with the effects.

Heat Cramps: The first sign your body is not dealing with the heat well.

Symptoms: muscle cramps, rising body temperature, flushed looking appearance

What to do: move to shaded or a cool area to rest; put cold rags on wrists, neck and face; stretch if you have a cramp; drink water and/or a sports drink

Heat Exhaustion: This typically occurs when people are exercising or working in a hot, humid location. The body is unable to replace the fluids lost through heavy sweating.

Symptoms: profuse sweating; cool, clammy or flushed skin; dizzy or nauseous; fatigue or weakness; diarrhea

What to do: Move to a cool place; sip water slowly; put cool rags on wrists, face armpits and groin; take the victim to the emergency room or call 911 if the condition does not improve rapidly

Heat Stroke: Occurs when a person’s internal temperature control system fails. The body temperature rises so high that brain damage and death may occur if the body is not cooled quickly.

Symptoms: hot, red and dry skin; absence of sweat; dizziness; disorientation; seizures; unconsciousness

What to do: Call 911 immediately, immerse the person in a cool bath or use wet sheets, ice bags, fans or air conditioners to reduce the body temperature; place bags of ice next to the person’s major arteries in their neck, armpits and groin.


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