Ocean & Monmouth Counties Are Ready For The Heat
We're entering another summer sizzler this weekend and Ocean County Officials are ready for mother nature with the A/C cranked way up.
With temperatures expected to flirt with 100 degrees once again this week, Freeholders are urging all residents and visitors to the shore area to beat the heat with simple precautions.
The Freeholders are encouraging everyone without air conditioning to seek a cooler place during the hottest parts of the day. Freeholder Joe Vicari says "all of the 21 branches of the Ocean County Library will be open their normal hours and offer a great refuge from the soaring heat and humidity. We advise everyone of all ages to play it safe, especially when the mercury rises."
However, this Sunday is one of the days that will be very hot and the library is closed. Same with next Wednesday, July 4th. What should people do in that case? Vicari says "people should head to a public place that has air conditioning like the Ocean County Mall or movie theater. There are options out there."
Vicari reminds everyone to stay hydrated with plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity especially during high peak hours and to cool down any way you can.
The Freeholder met this week with Jersey Central Power & Light executive David Lynch to discuss the utility's plan to meet the high demand resulting from both the hot weather and the July 4th holiday. "We had a very productive meeting and I'm hopeful our residents will not see service interruptions this summer," Vicari said.
Any residents suffering from the heat and can't leave their home should contact their town's emergency management agency.
TIPS TO GET THROUGH THE HEAT
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
Ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids within easy reach.
Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.
Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
Don't leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car -- not even for a minute -- as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
MORE COOLING CENTERS
Over in Monmouth County, designated cooling centers are in the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown and at the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold.
Belmar residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy the Cooling Center located in the Belmar Library Media Room to seek shelter from soaring temperatures.
"In anticipation of the upcoming heat and humidity, I asked Library staff to create a comfortable area on the Library's lower level that can serve as a Cooling Center when outside temperatures become unbearable for our residents and visitors," said Mayor Matthew Doherty. "I also asked that they provide patrons with the ability to watch movies - we have more than 1,000 DVDs in our collection - on the new flat-screen TV, and provide free water, coffee, tea and cappuccino."
The mayor could not have announced this amenity at a better time. With the hottest of the summer months fast approaching, Belmar will once again provide a way to beat the heat. "We need to ensure our residents and visitors can escape the uncomfortable temperatures and be in a safe place that provides entertainment and a social network," said the mayor.
The library is located at 517 10th Avenue and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. The lower level Cooling Center will remain open until Labor Day or longer, if needed.
The state has compiled a list of sites. Visit 211.org and enter your zip code to locate a center near you.
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