Summer’s First Heat Wave Coming – Be Ready

Fire Officials Urge Residents to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors

Asbury Park - - - The first day of summer is going to be sizzling in the Monmouth County area with sustained, high temperatures predicted through the week making it especially dangerous for the those at greatest risk including the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors. 

While staying hydrated is essential all year long, it is particularly important when temperatures soar. The Asbury Park Fire Department is urging residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors. “Summer heat waves can be dangerous and even short periods of high temperatures cause serious health problems.Whether on the sports field or the construction site, folks need to take action to prevent heat-related illness.”

During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate. 

During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot. 

2.  Dress for the heat. 

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection. 

3.  Monitor those at high risk.

Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre existing medical conditions. 

4. Children and cars - use common sense.

Never leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the car-seat or upholstery first. 

5. Avoid strenuous activity.

When possible, strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. 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. The American Red Cross advises that 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  

                           

6. Be a good neighbor.

Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets. 

Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.  

Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.  

NOTE: The City of Asbury Park Social Services Department has arranged for the establishment of a COOLING CENTER at the Salvation Army Building located at 605 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712  

For more information contact the Salvation Army  at (732) 775-8698, or the Asbury Park Social Services Department at (732) 502-4528.

In case of EMERGENCY call 911

ASBURY PARK PRESS EDITORIAL, August 10, 2009

New firehouse plan solid

Usually in these economically gloomy days, fixing something old is much favored over buying something new. But as long as Asbury Park doesn't have to borrow money its taxpayers would have to pay back, with interest, to build a new firehouse, this is something new that's much needed.

Asbury officials are making a smart choice by applying for federal stimulus dollars — $5 million of them, to be exact — to help build a new firehouse the city sorely needs.

The existing firehouse is historic — and condemned. Built for horse-drawn steamers, it first opened in July 1900. It currently does not comply with any requirements for a fire or emergency management facility. City firefighters keep some of their equipment in an old trolley barn in neighboring Allenhurst and also in a garage on Monroe Avenue in the city. That's neither efficient nor expeditious when a call to respond to an emergency is sounded.

The city has spent money trying to shore up the 109-year-old building, but doing that yet again only would be throwing good money on a structurally outmoded facility. It is time for a new firehouse, and Asbury officials are going about paying for it the right way.

The new firehouse, planned for a now-vacant lot on Langford Street between First and Second avenues, is expected to cost between $7.9 million and $8.3 million. If the $5 million in stimulus funds comes through, and Congress has appropriated some $210 million for firehouse construction grants for 2009, the city plans to raise the rest of the money needed by selling the old firehouse site, which is on a prime real-estate corner.

City officials, too, are hoping a new fire station, bolstered by a firefighter roster that includes 12 new members, can be an asset to the entire region, providing necessary services after Fort Monmouth's fire department closes. That's the kind of thinking that should make the feds look favorably upon Asbury's application.

When officials recklessly spend money on something new, it's often time to sound an alarm. This time, sound thinking prevails and the plans are worthy of applause.