Check on elderly
relatives and
neighbors to see if
they need help
taking proper heat
precautions, or if
they need medical
attention as a
result of the heat.
If you are
elderly or otherwise
at risk, take
advantage of any
air-conditioned
shelters that are
set up during heat
waves. Residents
sixty years of age
or older may find
comfort from the
heat at any of the
county’s nine air
conditioned senior
centers. For the
location nearest you
or assistance for an
elderly individual,
call the Atlantic
County Division of
Intergenerational
Services at 1-888-
426-9243. Take care
not to overdress
children and to give
them plenty of
liquids to drink.
Children under age
five and especially
those under age one
are especially
sensitive to the
effects of the heat.
Don't leave
children and pets in
enclosed cars, as
temperatures can
quickly climb to
dangerous levels.
If possible,
reduce physical
activity or schedule
it for the cooler
parts of the day.
Wear loose and
light-colored
clothing.
Check with your
health provider
before taking salt
tablets. Salt
supplements are not
necessary for the
general public,
although those who
regularly work under
very hot conditions
may need them.
Talk to your
health provider
about any medicine
or drugs you are
taking. Certain
medications, such as
tranquilizers and
drugs used to treat
Parkinson's disease,
can increase the
risk of heat-related
illness.
Remember the heat
also affects pets.
Make sure pets have
plenty of water and
if left outside,
plenty of shade.
Please keep in mind
a tree providing
shade for your pet
in the morning may
not offer the same
shade coverage in
the afternoon.