Dog Days Of Summer Hit Newark; Residents Seek Relief From Heat

NEWARK, NJ — The summer heat may be lingering in Newark, but for one afternoon, a group of kids got the chance to cool down in style, courtesy of their local fire department.

Newark firefighters recently attended a block party at South 16th Street between Madison Avenue and Clinton Avenue. They cooled off the children by using the Engine 10 fire hose.

Children were also treated to ice cream, and firefighters offered recruitment literature to interested adults. South Ward Council Member Patrick Council also attended the event.

Meanwhile, the dog days of summer are expected to continue in the Brick City early this week.

Mayor Ras Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook announced that the city is extending its "Code Red" status from Monday, Aug. 8 through Tuesday, Aug. 9. Temperatures are expected to continue in the mid-90s, with a temperature as high as 95 and a heat index as high as 101.

When a Code Red is in effect, Newark residents should take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerable populations, such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions, officials said.

“Vulnerable Newark residents should use air conditioning to stay cool, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day,” city officials said.

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Here are a few more things to keep in mind if the thermometer begins to rise in Newark.

HOMELESS SHELTERS

Several emergency shelters operating during extreme hot weather, partnering with the city to provide overnight sheltering for residents with no address. For more information regarding sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below, or the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877- 9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In addition, the city’s Office of Homeless Services has contracted with Bridges, Inc. to provide outreach and engagement services to Newark’s homeless population from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week. Attention is focused on homeless “hotspots” such as Penn Station, city parks, under bridges, and areas off McCarter Highway, especially for chronically homeless individuals and those with mental health and substance abuse issues.

“If you identify homeless individuals in need of services, you can reach Bridges, Inc. at 908-858-7019,” officials said.

• See related article: Service Fair, 'Blankets Of Hope' Reach Out To Homeless In Newark

CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT

According to Newark city officials:

“A small, but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer. Get to know your neighbors and contact neighbors and relatives—by phone—at least twice a day during heat waves. Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.”

Residents should also check in on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family, officials said.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

Newark officials shared the following tips for staying safe in extreme temperatures:

• Air conditioning is the best way to stay cool when it is hot outside. However, some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it. Newark residents are encouraged to use air conditioning or fans. If air conditioning is unavailable at a residence, please assist those affected to get to a place where it is available.
• Stay out of the sun. This is the quickest way to become overheated. Also, avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear lightweight, bright or light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.
• Drink fluids—water is best—even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is also the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. This will help your body to maintain a cooler temperature. If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, please consult your physician first. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent, meals.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours, which are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must perform any strenuous activity, it is advisable to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
• Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above).
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
• Use extreme caution in deciding to take an infant outside during extreme heat conditions.
• Be careful not to overdress small children, especially newborns and infants.
• Never leave children or pets in the car.

The City of Newark will open cooling centers in the five wards when temperatures reach extremely high temperature and humidity levels. Residents can find the nearest ones by calling (973) 733-4311, or visiting http://www.newarknj.gov.

HEAT ILLNESS

According to Newark officials:

“Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also irritate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness.”

Officials said the risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:

• Do not have or do not use air conditioning.
• Are age 65 or older.
• Have chronic medical or mental health conditions.
• Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature.
• Are confined to their beds, have trouble with being mobile, or are unable to leave their homes.
• Are overweight.
• Consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

“Know the warning signs of heat stress!” officials urged. “ If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.”

People should call 911 if they someone they know begin showing two or more of the following symptoms:

• Hot dry skin OR cold clammy skin.
• Trouble breathing.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

The summer months can be just as uncomfortable for pets as it is for humans, Newark officials pointed out.

“Pets are affected by humidity as much as the ambient hot temperatures,” officials said, recommending the following tips for keeping them comfortable during the heat advisory:

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• Never leave a pet inside of a parked car on a hot day. Even with the open windows, extreme temperatures inside a parked car could quickly lead to a fatal heat stroke for your pet.
• Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them often during summer months.
• Prepare your pet emergency “go bag:” Pet food, water, medications and supplies should always be included in your emergency preparedness plans and “go bags.”

SENIOR CENTERS, COOLING SITES, RECREATION CENTERS

Newark officials also shared information for senior citizen centers, cooling sites and city recreation centers where people can find relief from the heat. See the charts below.

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