Keep Seniors Safe During Excessive Heat: GTPD

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police are sharing these safety tips to seniors to help them keep cool as an Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the region through Sunday night:

1. Drink plenty of water. It’s important to watch fluid intake, especially since as we age, we have a diminished thirst signal. Be sure to have water in addition to any coffee, tea, or soda you may drink. Those drinks with caffeine can actually dehydrate you!

2. Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fiber, such as cotton.

3. Eat regularly, but watch salt intake (as directed by your doctor) as salt can be dehydrating.

4. Avoid alcohol which can be dehydrating, as well.

5. Stay indoors during peak temperature times; usually the late afternoon.

6. Cool the home with fans or air conditioning and remember electrical safety. Some studies have shown that a cool bath or shower is more effective for cooling down than a fan. The Camden County Freeholder Board is distributing free fans to senior citizens to help with the summer’s heat. To be eligible, residents must be age 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less to receive a fan. To request a fan or to obtain more information, please call the Camden County Division of Senior Services at 856-858-3220.

7. If keeping your home cool is an issue, consider regular visits to the mall, the library or the movies during peak heat times.

8. Be extra careful if you are a person with respiratory illnesses and other chronic illnesses (check with your doctor) as they may be aggravated by or cause an impaired response to warm weather.

9. If you live alone, arrange for someone to check on you with a phone call or short visit, and check on your neighbors. You want to make sure the house is adequately cooled and other safety measures are being followed.

For more hot weather safety for seniors, visit
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather-safety-older-adults.