Garden State Times

(Gloucester Township, NJ) — The Camden County Health Officer has issued a Heat Advisory for the region effective Tuesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 23 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. During a Heat Advisory, hot temperatures can create conditions in which heat illnesses are possible.

“When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, remember to stay inside as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and contact a physician if you or a loved one is showing signs of heat stress,” said County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “It is important that residents continue to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbors to ensure that they are safe and able to stay cool.”

The latest weather forecast obtained by the health department calls for hot conditions, with temperatures in the low-90s at the beginning of the week and peak temperatures reaching 99 degrees.

To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

- Avoid working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas as much as possible. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering such as a wide-brimmed hat or visor.

- Use air-conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.

- Consult with your physician if you take regular medication since some medications cause adverse reactions in hot weather.

- Wear lightweight clothing.

- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. Drinking lots of liquids helps avoid dehydration.

- Maintain a normal diet.

- Shower or bathe in water near skin temperature.

- Do not leave older people, children or pets alone in cars.

- Ensure pets have plenty of fresh drinking water.

Early warning signs of heat stress include decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.

Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting diarrhea muscle cramps staggering difficulty breathing People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention While waiting for help move person cool area remove excess clothing spray with water fan person In an emergency dial 911