Danger: Take Precautions During the Heat Wave

Dangerous temperatures have developed in our area and it's important to keep safe and stay cool. Here are five things you need to know:

1. You Need To Know About The Excessive Heat Warning: The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the area through Saturday. The NWS predicts "dangerous heat" and "oppressive humidity" and said that "heat illnesses are likely." It's important to check on elderly family members and neighbors to make sure they are safe. Extreme heat and humidity can be especially dangerous to the elderly, young children and persons taking certain medications.

2. You Need To Know About The Heat Index: The National Weather Service also said that the heat index, or how hot it feels, could hover around 105 degrees Thursday, around 110 degrees Friday and between 105 and 110 degrees Saturday. The hottest temperatures of the heat wave are predicted for Friday afternoon. The good news: you have some time to prepare. The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services offers this advice.

• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
• Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day and reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day.
• Never leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car–not even for a minute–as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
• Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking, as certain medications, such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

3. You Need To Know About Cooling Centers: Residents of Morris Township who find the heat more than they can handle are being directed to Morristown Town Hall at 200 South St., where the third floor Senior Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, July 22, as a cooling center. It will again be open on Monday, July 25, if temperatures continue to remain above 90 degrees. In Morris Plains, the community center on Jim Fear Drive is only opened in case of severe emergency conditions, such as a power outage, because it has generator power and can be kept cool. 

You can also spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, fire houses and other public buildings. You pay the taxes to keep them open so don't be bashful about using the facilities. You can also go to the movies or the mall. 

4. You Need To Know The Difference Between Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion: Extreme temperatures and humidity can bring on heat stroke and heat exhaustion. According to the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, people suffering heatstroke can go from appearing normal to extremely ill in a matter of minutes. Symptoms include having hot, dry skin, a high body temperature of 106 degrees or more, an absence of sweat, and a rapid and strong pulse. Victims may become delirious or unconscious. Persons suffering from heatstroke need immediate medical attention. Heat exhaustion is a milder illness that may take several days of high temperatures to develop. Victims may have pale, clammy skin and sweat profusely. They may feel tired, weak or dizzy and have headaches or sometimes cramps, but their body temperature will remain close to normal.

You Need To Know That It's Okay To Call For Help: The police in Morris Township and Morris Plains are happy to help you. If you feel that you or a neighbor are having trouble coping with the excessive heat, call 911.