Local, County Governments Respond to Increased Temperatures

As the temperature continues to rise this week, governing bodies at the municipal and county levels are looking to help residents in a variety of ways. And with no real rain in sight, even the utilities are bracing for what could be a rough end to the week

Within the township's borders, the senior center is being established as a "cooling center," according to an email from the mayor and council. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday. Another place to keep cool is the library which is open until 9 p.m. today. It will also be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. 

The township also said that there could be additional cooling centers opened as needed. With the hot weather, the email from the township provides several important suggestions on how to beat the heat. That includes staying indoors in the air conditioning whenever possible.

For those who have to be outside, try to stay in the shade and wear sunscreen and "loose fitting light colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible," the email said. The consumption of water is also strongly encouraged as well as utilizing cool showers and baths to lower body temperatures. 

The county government is also providing many of the same suggestions for those who will be traveling outside the township's borders. "It may be better for some residents to stay inside and in air-conditioned spaces as the outdoor temperatures and humidity rise," according to Freeholder Deputy Director John P. Curley.

Fellow freeholder Amy A. Mallet also encouraged residents to be mindful of some of their neighbors who might have a hard time getting through such hot temperatures. "If you live near an elderly person, knock on the door to check on them," she said. 

Even utilities like New Jersey American Water are reaching out with suggestions on how to handle the heat while keeping things at a safe level. "In the next several days, the temperatures and heat index are expected to reach extremely high levels and there appears to be little chance of sustained rain fall," said Steve Tambini, the vice president of operations for the utility. "During extended periods of hot and dry weather such as this, water use increases significantly, especially outdoors."

The water company has several suggestions on how to make sure everyone's water level stays at a healthy amount. For those whose address is an odd number, they should water their lawn or gardens on odd numbered days. Conversely, even numbered houses should do their watering on even numbered days. That watering is also suggested to be done between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those suggestions to not apply to sod or newly seeded laws or the private wells used for irrigation. 

These suggestions apply to all Monmouth County residents and the water company said depending on how things progress there could be more stringent restrictions in the future. For more information check the company's website.

The temperature today is predicted to get as high as 94 degrees, but that is just part of the increasing heat that will settle over the area. The high temperature for Thursday looks to be as high as 97 with the heat index bringing that to a sweltering 107 degrees according to the National Weather Service. 

Even a chance of a rain storm on Friday is not enough to break the heatwave. The National Weather Service says the high will still be close to 98, followed by a high of 96 on Saturday.