Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Residents Reminded to Take Precautions During Extreme Heat

A heat advisory is in effect for Atlantic County, 1-7 PM today with high heat and humidity expected to blanket our region over the next several days. This can be especially challenging for residents who remain without power.

Atlantic County will continue to distribute ice and water behind the Hamilton Mall, Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. One bag of ice and one case (24 bottles of water) per vehicle. Atlantic County residents ONLY.
Hours of operation: July 4, 8 AM to 8 PM and July 5, 8 AM to 4 PM

Residents may seek relief from the heat at cooling stations. Two stations remain open 24 hours a day until further notice: Dorothy Fire Hall and Northfield City Hall. There are several additional municipal cooling stations open today, July 4. Please contact your local office of emergency management for locations and times of operation or visit the county web site at www.aclink.org. Municipal OEM contact numbers are available in the phone book as well as online at www.aclink.org/oep and www.ReadyAtlantic.org.

Heat-related illness should be taken seriously and residents are reminded of the following precautions:
* Continue to stay hydrated. Don't wait until you are thirsty; increase intake of non-caffeinated and low sugar beverages. Avoid very cold drinks that may cause stomach cramps.
* Avoid participation in strenuous activities during extreme heat. Limit activities to morning and evening hours when temperatures may be lower. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks in shady areas.
* Monitor those most at risk during extreme heat which include the very young, the elderly and the infirm.

Exposure to extreme heat may result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can be deadly. Its symptoms include: red, hot, dry skin; extreme body temperature of 103 degrees F; a rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion; unconsciousness.

Victims of heat stroke should be cooled rapidly with cool water but should NOT be given fluids. Immediate medical attention is necessary.

For more information, visit www.aclink.org.

Click here to learn more aboutheat-related illness

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