Cool Off At Mall, Library In Extreme Heat Wave: Toms River OEM

TOMS RIVER, NJ — With an excessive heat warning in effect for Toms River through the weekend, trying to stay cool will be the goal.

If you don't have air conditioning, or if your air conditioning breaks down (because that always happens at the worst possible time) here are some suggestions of where you can go to cool off.

Toms River does not have a formal cooling center open, but township officials said anyone needing assistance should call the police department at 732-349-0150 or dial 911 in an emergency.

Here are some suggestions of places to cool down:

Ocean County Library, Toms River

• Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday 1 p.m. -5 p.m.

Ocean County Mall, Toms River

• Friday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

OEM officials also reminded pet owners to keep their animals inside and give them plenty of fresh water to help them cope with the heat. They reminded dog owners to not walk their dogs on blacktop because the asphalt can burn the pads on the dogs' feet.

And do not leave your pets locked in a car, even for a minute. Vehicle interiors can get dangerously hot in a matter of minutes, with temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees when outdoor temperatures are in the 90s.