Heat Advisory For Camden County Friday, Saturday: Officials

A heat advisory is in effect for Camden County for the next two days, officials announced Friday morning. During a heat advisory, heat illnesses are possible due to a combination of hot temperatures and high humidity.

The advisories will be in effect from noon to 7 p.m. on both Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29. Temperatures are expected to reach the lower 90s each day, with heat index values between 100 and 104 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Camden County will also distribute free fans to senior citizens ages 60 and older with an income less than $25,000. To request a fan or for more information, call the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at 856-858-3220.

“Please remember to check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors during days like these when there is extreme heat to combat,” Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said. “When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, remember to stay inside as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and contact a physician if you or a loved one is showing signs of heat stress.”

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.
• Make sure your pets also have plenty of fresh drinking water.
• 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, remove excess clothing and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, the person should be moved to a cool area, be fanned and be sprayed with water. They should also remove excess clothing. In an emergency, dial 911.