Take Precautions to Beat the Heat

Summer arrives on Wednesday, June 20, and it appears it will be greeted by a heat wave. A heat wave is officially characterized by three straight days in which temperatures rise above 90 degrees.

With temperatures forecast to break 90 degrees from Wednesday-Friday, including a possible 100 degree day on Thursday, Atlantic County health officials are cautioning residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.

County officials warn air pollution concentrations could become unhealthy for sensitive populations such as children; people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases; and the elderly. The county recommends those at risk avoid strenuous activity or outdoor exercise.

The same populations, along with athletes and manual laborers, are also at risk during a heat wave, the county warned. Residents also must protect their pets from the heat.

The county advises those at risk to drink plenty of fluids, with the exception of caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages.

Residents are advised to spend a few hours a day in an air-conditioned place such as a shopping mall or library;

Check on elderly relatives and neighbors to see if they need help taking proper heat precautions, or if they need medical attention as a result of the heat;

If you are elderly or otherwise at risk, take advantage of any air-conditioned shelters that are set up during heat waves. Residents sixty years of age or older may find comfort from the heat at any of the county’s nine air conditioned senior centers. For the location nearest you or assistance for an elderly individual, call the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services at 1-888- 426-9243;

Take care not to overdress children and to give them plenty of liquids to drink. Children under age five are especially those under age one are especially sensitive to the effects of the heat;

Don't leave children or pets in enclosed cars, as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels;

If possible, reduce physical activity or schedule it for the cooler parts of the day;

Wear loose and light-colored clothing;

Check with your health provider before taking salt tablets. Salt supplements are not necessary for the general public, although those who regularly work under very hot conditions may need them;

Talk to your health provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications, such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, can increase the risk of heat-related illness; and

Make sure pets have plenty of water and if left outside, plenty of shade. Please keep in mind a tree providing shade for your pet in the morning may not offer the same shade coverage in the afternoon.

For further information on heat-related illness, visit the Atlantic County Web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5935.