Toms River Officials Urge Caution Amid Excessive Heat Warning

TOMS RIVER, NJ — With a heat index that is forecast to exceed 100 degrees into Tuesday, the Toms River Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to take precautions.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through Tuesday.

The weather briefing from the Mount Holly office as of 5 p.m. Saturday said high temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90s and possible 100s, and the heat index well over 100 degrees, as much as 110 degrees on Monday.

Temperatures at night are only expected to dip to the upper 70s, the weather service said.

These heat index values can cause heat-related stress, particularly among the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions, especially if they do not have air conditioning.

Toms River officials recommend the following safety precautions:

• Keep outdoor activity to a minimum. Stay inside or in shaded areas.
• Use air conditioning, if your home has it. If it does not, use fans where possible, keep windows shaded and stay on the lowest level because heat rises.
• Visit a place that is air-conditioned: a mall or the home of a friend or relative who has air conditioning.
• Eat cold or prepared foods. Operating a stove causes a house to heat dramatically.
• Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Watch loved ones for signs of heat stroke including:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Facial flushing
• Nausea
• Weakness

The township's Office of Emergency Management posts updates on its Facebook page.

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