County Issues Heat Alert; Cooling Centers Open in Collingswood

The Camden County Health Officer has issued a Heat Alert throughout Camden County for Monday, July 14, noon-7 p.m. The latest weather forecast obtained by Camden County is calling for continued humid conditions with high of 91 and a peak heat index of 95.

“When the Camden County Health Officer issues a Heat Alert, municipalities are notified that it would be appropriate to open municipal cooling centers to the public.  Each municipality in Camden County has identified and is responsible for activating its own municipal cooling center,” Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said.  “Please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors during the heat emergency, and do not over exert yourself outdoors in the sun.”

Cooling centers are open in Collingswood at the following locations:

* Library, 771 Haddon Avenue;

* Senior Center, 30 Collings Avenue;

* Borough Hall, 678 Haddon Avenue; and

To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following:

• Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
• Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
• Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm and cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
• Maintain a normal diet.
• Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
• Do not leave older people, children or pets alone in cars.
• The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids and remove excess clothing and rest.