Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook announced that the City of Newark is activating a CODE RED for today, Monday morning, July 15, through Wednesday evening, July 17. While temperatures are in the 90’s, the heat index is expected to reach as high as 104°F on Tuesday, July 16.

A “Code Red” is a Hot Weather Health Warning that is usually issued in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity with periods of time when the heat index is 100ºF or more. Such conditions have been associated with illness and/or death. Residents (specifically seniors and those with chronic health issues) should take precautions to prevent heat-related stress and exhaustion.

The Health Department urges Newark residents to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions. Citizens should also check in on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

Residents should use air conditioning to stay cool, stay hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day (which are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). In addition to extreme temperatures, the air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive populations. The extreme heat and stagnant air during a heat wave increases the amount of pollution in the air. Sensitive groups including people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers should limit time outdoors.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services and its partners are committed to supporting residents that may need services during a code red. Shelters are activated to remain open during non-traditional hours and to expand their bed capacity. Street outreach is conducted by street outreach workers from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week, encouraging them to enter emergency shelters or visit drop-in or cooling centers.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services is also collaborating with community-based organizations to provide overnight shelter for residents with no address.  If you identify an unsheltered resident in need of non-emergency services, please text “Path Home” to 855-11. The text is sent to street outreach teams that will locate the person and offer services. For more information regarding sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877- 9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

• Air conditioning is the best way to stay cool when it is hot outside. However, some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it. Newark residents are encouraged to use air conditioning or fans. If air conditioning is unavailable at a residence, please assist those affected to get to a place where it is available.
• Stay out of the sun. This is the quickest way to become overheated. Also, avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear lightweight, bright or light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.
• Drink fluids—water is best—even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is also the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. This will help your body to maintain a cooler temperature. If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, please consult your physician first. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent, meals.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours, which are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must perform any strenuous activity, it is advisable to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• If possible, go to an air-conditioned building during the hottest parts of the day.
• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
• Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (30 or above).
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
• Use extreme caution in deciding to take an infant outside during extreme heat conditions.
• Be careful not to overdress small children, especially newborns, and infants.
• Never leave children or pets in the car.
• The City of Newark will open cooling centers in the five wards when temperatures reach extremely high temperature and humidity levels. You may find the nearest ones by calling (973) 733-4311; go to http://www.newarknj.gov or follow us on Facebook.

NEWARK SENIOR CITIZEN CENTERS/ COOLING SITES

(Seniors Only)

RECREATIONAL CENTERS AND POOLS SUMMER HOURS

(Open to all Newark Residents)

 KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

The summer months can be just as uncomfortable for pets as it is for humans. Pets are affected by humidity as much as the ambient hot temperatures. Follow these tips for keeping them comfortable during the heat advisory.

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• Never leave a pet inside of a parked car on a hot day. Even with the open windows, extreme temperatures inside a parked car could quickly lead to a fatal heat stroke for your pet.
• Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them often during summer months.
• Prepare your pet emergency “go bag:” Pet food, water, medications, and supplies should always be included in your emergency preparedness plans and “go bags.”

For additional information on how to beat the heat, visit http://www.newarknj.gov or follow the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness social media pages at http://www.facebook.com/NewarkDHCW and http://www.twitter.com/NewarkDHCW.

FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS

Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also irritate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness. The risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:

• Do not have or do not use air conditioning.
• Are age 65 or older.
• Have chronic medical or mental health conditions.
• Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature.
• Are confined to their beds, have trouble with being mobile, or are unable to leave their homes.
• Are overweight.
• Consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

Know the warning signs of heat stress!

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. Please call 911 if you or someone you know begins exhibiting two or more of the following symptoms:

• Hot dry skin OR cold clammy skin.
• Trouble breathing.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.

AIR QUALITY

Heat waves often lead to poor air quality. The extreme heat and stagnant air during a heat wave increases the amount of ozone pollution and particulate pollution. Stay informed by visiting airnow.gov to check the current air quality and to inform your decision about spending time outdoors. https://www.airnow.gov/state/?name=new-jersey (Northeast Urban).