Heat Advisory In Effect For Camden County Wednesday

A Heat Advisory is in effect for Camden County on Wednesday, Aug. 21, noon to 7 p.m., county officials announced Wednesday morning. During a Heat Advisory, the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Free fans will be available through the county to Camden County residents ages 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less. To request a fan or to obtain more information, please call the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at 856-858-3220.

“High temperatures and humidity from earlier this week will continue today, returning the region to extreme heat and dangerous conditions,” 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. It is also critical that everyone remember to check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors during days like these when there is extreme heat to combat.”

The latest weather forecast obtained by the health department is calling for hot and humid weather, with peak heat index values between 100 and 104 degrees due to temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s. Read more here: Severe NJ Weather, Damaging Winds Possible: Here’s What To Expect

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. People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency, dial 911.