Cool Off At These Places Around East Brunswick In NJ Heat Wave

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — As New Jersey sweats through a heat wave, East Brunswick is reminding residents of places they can cool off around the township.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Middlesex County until 3 p.m. Sunday. Temperatures on Wednesday hit 96 degrees with a heat index of about 102 degrees shortly before 4 p.m.

Thursday could also bring a heat index of 105-110 degrees.

The township suggested Brunswick Square Mall, the East Brunswick Public Library, movie theaters, and the police department lobby as air-conditioned places to visit if you need to cool off. Crystal Springs Family Waterpark is also open 7 days a week until Labor Day, the township said.

The township also shared several tips for preventing heat-related illnesses:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.

If you are outside:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).