Heat Wave Headed To Long Valley, Forecasters Say; Town Issues Warning

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Washington Township officials are warning residents not to underestimate a heat wave that weather forecasters predict will hit New Jersey this week.

A prolonged heat wave is expected to hit the Garden State beginning Tuesday, with "dangerously high" temperatures expected to last through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

As the temperature rises in the summer, so does electricity consumption, as air conditioners, refrigerators, and other appliances work harder to keep us comfortable. During this week's heat, officials are urging residents to conserve energy.

Here are some simple tips to follow:

• Set your thermostat as high as comfort allows, and use fans to stay cool. For every degree you increase the temperature in your home, you can decrease energy use by about 3 percent.
• Draw blinds, shades, or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
• Preset your programmable thermostat to keep the temperature in your home higher while you’re away, and to reduce the temperature before you arrive back home.
• Only operate fans and window air conditioners when someone is in the room.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers as full as possible. Frozen or cold items in the refrigerator help keep other items cool, so your refrigerator won’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature.
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours of the day. The less heat produced in the home, the less work your air conditioner will have to do.

According to the NWS, people of all ages are at risk for the deadly effects of heat. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause your body's natural cooling system to become overworked and cause damage to your body.

Read More: Heat Advisory In Effect For Morris County Tuesday

Taking proper health precautions should be the primary concern during a heat wave.

The following are the most serious heat-related conditions:

• Heat Exhaustion – Profuse sweating, Muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
• Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency that can lead to disability or even death. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Take the following precautions to keep your family and friends safe:

• Have basic emergency supplies on hand, including extra bottles of water.
• Consider the impact of heat on your activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Drink plenty of water; dehydration is a primary health hazard during severe hot weather.
• If air conditioning is unavailable, go to a cooler location in your home, such as a basement.
• Check on seniors or those living alone who may have difficulty in hot conditions. Make sure they are also drinking plenty of water and staying as cool as possible.

To reduce risk while working outside, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and staying hydrated.

The Washington Township Public Library has air conditioning and is open every day except Sunday.