5 Air-Conditioned Places You Can Go To Beat The Heat

The warnings have been continuous during the last several days: Stay inside air conditioning.

But what do you do if your air conditioning (like mine) has failed during this heat wave? Or what if you're just tired of being at home but going to the beach doesn't sound refreshing?

Where can you go for relief?

The excessive heat warning that has been in place for several days is set to expire Sunday night, but that doesn't mean we're in for a cold wave; the National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in the 90s through at least Wednesday.

Here are some ideas of places to go that have air conditioning — and some of them are free.

1. The mall

It's an obvious one, but a great option. There's places to sit, wifi available and it's free — IF you avoid the temptation to shop. If you think you'll be too tempted, leave the credit cards and debit card at home and just bring a little cash so you can buy a drink if you really want one.

2. Your local Barnes & Noble.

The bookstore chain has locations in Brick, Howell, Freehold, and Monmouth Mall, and the locations include a Starbucks coffee shop. If you have kids with you, there's a children's corner where they can play and read (imagine that!), and there is no requirement to spend money (though I can rarely go into one without buying something).

3. The movies.

Yes, this one will cost you. No getting around that. But it's a great way to break up the monotony and it's a change of scenery, too. There is a free movie Tuesday and Wednesday morning for kids in Toms River, but the afternoon and evening options are not free.

4. The county library.

While the branches aren't open Sunday, they are open Monday through Saturday. The main branch in Toms River and the Brick branch are open until 9 p.m. during the week; other branches close earlier. The county librarys have a children's section to entertain the little ones. And it's free.

5. The library at Ocean County College

The college's library is open during the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily now until Sept. 3, and it's free.

If your air conditioning is not working and you need assistance, particularly if you have health issues or are a senior citizen, reach out to your local police department. They can help you find resources for staying cool in the heat.

Be sure to check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

The Toms River Office of Emergency Management shared these signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

HEAT EXHAUSTION. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE — LIFE-THREATENING. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person's body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

Photo by Karen Wall