Excessive Heat Continues in Mount Laurel Now Through Wednesday

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — Burlington County is currently experiencing some of the hottest heat indexes of the year.

With heat index values up to 104 expected, a Heat Advisory is in effect for Mount Laurel from 10AM on Monday through 8PM on Tuesday, July 9.

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In addition, an Air Quality Action Day for Ozone has been declared for Monday, July 8, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Ozone levels have reached the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) category along the I-95 corridor and in central and northern New Jersey, and fine particulate concentrations will reach the Moderate category statewide due to a stagnant air mass and lingering humidity, says the NJDEP. Therefore, sensitive individuals, including the very young, the elderly, and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma, should avoid strenuous activities during the afternoon and early evening hours.

As peak heat indexes are forecast to reach or exceed 100 degrees on Wednesday, an extension of the Heat Advisory into Wednesday is possible, according to the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly (NWS).

As New Jerseyans deal with the extreme heat, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) is providing tips to residents on how to stay safe in high temperatures:

• Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat. Visit nj211.org or dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211 to find a cooling center near you.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid high-energy activities.
• Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.
• Excessive heat can also cause power outages. Learn what to do before, during, and after a power outage by visiting ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/power-outages.shtml
• Pets are family too! For information on how to keep your pets safe during warm weather visit the American Veterinary Medical Association's website HERE .

The NJOEM is also advising residents on how to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses, and how to respond to them:

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Heat Cramps :

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion:

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke :

• Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat; Rapid, strong pulse; Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.
• Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

For more tips, visit Ready.gov HERE .

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