rap #139 07/23/10
WITH SATURDAY TEMPERATURES SET TO TOP 100 DEGREES
COUNTY OFFERS WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT
WITH TEMPERATURES expected to top 100 degrees on Saturday, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is asking residents to take precautions
to "beat the heat."
The Freeholders encouraged any residents without air conditioning to seek a cooler space during the hottest part of the day.
"All of our Ocean County Library branches will be open their normal Saturday hours and offer a great refuge from the soaring heat and
humidity," said Freeholder Director James F. Lacey. "Come in for a few hours and enjoy a good book or browse on the computer."
"The Ocean County Library is a cool place to be," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. "Our larger branches such as Toms River, Manchester and
Berkeley will be open from 9 am to 5 pm and offer air conditioning and water fountains."
Some smaller branches have limited hours on Saturday. Vicari, who is liaison to both the Library and the Ocean County Office of Senior
Services, said residents should check with the Ocean County Library Website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org for information on hours and special
events at each branch.
The Ocean County Health Department headquarters on Sunset Avenue in Toms River Township will also be open from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday.
"We'll offer water fountains and an air conditioned space for up to 75 people during the hottest part of the day," said Freeholder Gerry P.
Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.
Little said anyone taking advantage of the cool space should bring with them any needed medications along with reading materials, puzzle books
or other items to help pass the time.
The Ocean County Mall is also a centrally located air-conditioned space on Hooper Avenue in Toms River and is open both Saturday and Sunday.
"The County Connection at the mall offers information on a host of county services, as well as free computers for public use, said Freeholder
John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.
The Freeholders offered the following additional advice to combat excessive heat:
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
- Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.
- Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
- Don't 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. Certain medication can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
