Lawrence Cooling Centers To Remain Open This Weekend

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Two cooling centers in Lawrence Township will remain open this weekend due to an Excessive Heat Warning , Mercer County officials announced on Friday. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning that expires at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 21.

The Mercer County Library Branch in Lawrence at 2751 Brunswick Pike has will remain open as a cooling center on Saturday, July 20, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lawrence Township Senior Center at 30 Darrah Lane East will be open as a cooling center on Sunday, July 21, noon to 5 p.m.

To cope during extreme heat, county officials advise residents to drink plenty of water, even if they are not thirsty, and spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned environment. Be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbors.

Hot weather can impact everyone, regardless of age or condition, but some people are more at risk than others. People most at risk include those over age 65, individuals with medical conditions, those taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat, people with disabilities, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, babies and young children, those who are overweight or obese, individuals who work or exercise outdoors, and even those residents who may have recently arrived from cooler climates.

Never leave children, pets or anyone with limited mobility alone in hot vehicles. Even with the windows rolled down, only minutes in a hot car can be deadly.

For help coping with the heat or to contact your local cooling site, please call the Mercer County Office on Aging at 609-989-6661 or toll-free 877-222-3737. During non-business hours, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they experience heat-related problems.

For more information regarding heat-related emergencies, visit www.ready.nj.gov, the National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resources page or the National Institute on Aging Hot Weather Safety page.