Bloomfield Will Open Cooling Center To Help Beat Heat Wave

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield is opening a cooling center to help residents beat an anticipated heat wave this weekend, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to a Bloomfield township news release, the Civic Center at 84 Broad Street will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21. Water bottles will be available on site.

In addition, the Civic Center will be open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 19, officials said.

Residents can call the Bloomfield Police Department non-emergency number at (973) 680-4141 if they need accommodations such as transportation to the Civic Center or Police Department.

Bloomfield officials stated:

“All age groups are at risk for heat stroke, so residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions if they have to be outdoors, including wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and staying properly hydrated. The heat index will make the temperature feel closer to 110 degrees on Saturday. It is NOT okay to leave a child or pet in a locked vehicle even for a moment as temperatures can rise quite quickly. It is also imperative to lock all parked vehicles so children cannot accidentally lock themselves inside while playing games like hide and seek.”

“With temperatures expected to approach 100 degrees from Friday through Sunday, it is not safe for anyone to be outside more than a few moments, and we are taking measures to ensure that individuals without shelter can cool off in the Civic Center during the hottest parts of the day,” Mayor Michael Venezia said.

“The National Weather Service recommends that residents stay indoors if possible when the sun is at its strongest and burns and heat strokes are more likely to occur,” Venezia added.

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