APFD Firefighters Stress Hot Weather Safety

With the arrival of peak Summer temperatures on the Jersey Shore, the Asbury Park Fire Department suggests that you:

• Minimize the risks of hot weather.
• Prepare your household, pets and workplace.
• Plan to get relief from and avoid the effects of heat.

Plan to wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much of your skin as practical, and a well-ventilated hat with a wide brim - or carry an umbrella. Wear plenty of sunblock and stay in the shade whenever possible.

Adjust your attire and activities to limit heat exposure and exertion!

Water is normally the best drink during hot weather, and you'll need more than you think. If you have a medical condition or are under a doctor's care, consult with a physician.

Drinks with alcohol or caffeine can make the heat's effect on your body much worse. Avoid salt tablets unless directed by a doctor, and plan on eating light, healthy meals.

Key Rules: Drink plenty of water before you become thirsty and rest in the shade before you become tired!

If you feel ill, tell someone immediately. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache and vomiting.

Many heat emergencies occur to people exercising, working or staying alone. Use a buddy system and check on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors on a regular basis. If you suspect someone is experiencing a medical emergency from extreme heat exposure, call 9-1-1.

If your home does not have air conditioning, consider a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day.

Schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls and community facilities such as senior centers and parks may offer an air-conditioned refuge. If activated by officials during peak temperatures, designated cooling centers in Asbury Park can be found by calling 732-437-6000.

Pets, are also susceptible to hot weather. See that the special needs of your animals are met, including copious shade and plenty of cool water.

Never leave children, pets or dependent adults alone in a hot car. Even with the windows down, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly rise to lethal levels.

Learn more about hot weather safety at:





emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

Children, Hot Weather & Cars = Danger!

During hot weather - and throughout the year, the Asbury Park Fire Department asks you to consider some important safety tips for vehicles and children.


We need your help to make sure that no child dies needlessly by being left alone in a hot vehicle.

• Always put something you'll need - such as your phone, handbag, a sunshade, lunch or briefcase on the floor in the back seat. This will make you open the back door of your vehicle every time you reach a destination. This way, making sure no child is left behind becomes a habit. Safety experts call this the 'Look Before You Lock' campaign.

• Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat. It's a great visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is up front, a child is secured in a child safety seat behind you!

• Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call them when your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. This is not only common courtesy, but makes sure everyone involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts. Ask these caregivers to always phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected.

• If you see a child (dependent adult or pet) alone in a hot vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly and safely as possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number for assistance as necessary.

• Never leave your car keys where children can access them, and always make sure your car is locked so that children cannot get in without adult supervision.

• Do not underestimate a child's capabilities. Teach your children about the dangers of a car, especially the car trunk. Most children can differentiate between a tool and a toy. Make certain they know that a car is not a toy!

For additional information about child and hot weather vehicle safety:

• safercar.gov/heatstroke
• kidsandcars.org
• safekids.org
• http://ggweather.com/heat/
• CDC Hot Weather Safety Information

Several Product Recalls Due to Fire and Shock Hazard

Usually, we post Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  Every once in a while, they put out a whole lot at once and it is best to put them all here on our blog in one spot.

In this instance, a lot of fire related recalls.  Please take a moment and click on the links below to learn more and see if you possibly have one of these potentially dangerous products in your home.  If you do immediately take the steps recommended.

PajamaGram Recalls Children's Pajamas Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Pajamas Recalled by Ishtex Textile Products Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

Children's Lounge Pants and Boxers Recalled by Rigo International Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard

IKEA Recalls Track Lighting System Due to Electric Shock Hazard

Watkins Manufacturing and Therm Products Recall Spas Due to Fire Hazard

Exhaust Fans Sold at Lowe's Stores Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Made by Delta Electronics Dongguan

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at Asbury Park Fire Dept. have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.


Just in case, We thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  Warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include: 

Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache and/or dizziness 

Heat Stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
• The absence of sweating
• Rapid pulse 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Throbbing headache
• Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
• Confusion, agitation and disorientation
• Unconscious                             

If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.


Remember, Heat Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2012      State of emergency still in effect Only Middletown HS North giving out water Monday Conservation efforts helped lift the boil water advisory in 18 towns    MIDDLETOWN, NJ – With the boil water advisory reduced to just four towns, only one water distribution site – Middletown High School North – will open on Monday. Hours at the school, located at 63 Tindall Rd., are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This afternoon, the New Jersey American Water Company in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the county’s Office of Emergency Management removed the boil water advisory in 18 of the 22 towns that have been under a boil water advisory since Friday. Only residents in Aberdeen, Highlands, Holmdel and Middletown should continue to boil their water. Limit remains at one case per car.   “I want to commend residents throughout Monmouth County because it was through their effort to conserve water that enabled New Jersey American Water Co. to lift the advisory for 18 of the 22 towns affected,” Freeholder Director Jon P. Curley said. “But we are not out of the woods yet. It is still critically important to continue conserving water in order to keep the restriction off.” The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon following the collapse of three large water pipes at New Jersey American Water Co.’s water treatment plant at the Swimming River Reservoir. The ongoing water emergency means that: All New Jersey American Water Company customers are under mandatory water restriction that bans all outdoor water use and encourages indoor water conservation. It is illegal to water your lawn, shrubs or gardens, fill swimming pools and wash cars. Indoor conservation measures include refraining from using washing machines and dishwashers, limiting showering times and flushing toilets less frequently. Outdoor water conservation is highly encouraged by residents of the 31 towns not directly impacted by the water emergency.  “The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is working with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that the outdoor water ban is strictly enforced in areas serviced by New Jersey American Water Co.,” Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said.    Three large water pipes at New Jersey American Water Co. broke around noon Friday, causing a reduction or total loss of water pressure or supply. Other water companies have been rerouting water to New Jersey American Water Co. customers, but not enough to meet normal demand. “That’s why it is so important to conserve water regardless of what utility you receive your water from,” Monmouth County Emergency Management Coordinator Michael Oppegaard said. Additionally, New Jersey American Water Co. recommends the customers in the four towns still under the boil water advisory take the following steps: ·         Water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute then cooled prior to using; ·         Keep water that has been boiled in the refrigerator for drinking; ·         Rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in diluted bleach (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.   ·         Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing; ·         Provide pets with boiled water after cooling; ·         Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms, and ·         Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries. #     #     #