Heat Wave 2024

Happy First Day of Summer! The Summer Solstice will arrive today at 4:50 p.m., marking today the longest day of the year. We will enjoy 15 hours of daylight today!

Today is day 4 of the heat wave here in New Jersey and we are maybe halfway through it.

I hope everyone is staying cool. Heat waves can be dangerous if you’re not careful. My heart goes out to all of the workers who are outdoors, the homeless and the animals. It’s dangerous out there and not everyone can stay indoors. If you’re outside during this heat wave, be sure to drink plenty of water. You can even pour it over your head and be sure to take necessary breaks. Another idea is to wear cooling accessories such as bandanas, towels and wrist bands that you can wet to help regulate your body temperature. Don’t overexert yourself. Nothing is worth getting sick over. Keep a close watch on your coworkers. Most people who experience heat exhaustion don’t even recognize that it’s happening to them. Watch out for each other and listen to your own body and get out of the sun if you begin to feel overheated or fatigued.

It’s really important to monitor vulnerable groups of people like small children, the elderly and anyone who has an illness that are at a higher risk. Check in on your neighbors who live alone. If you see someone struggling when you are out, ask them if they need anything.

It is so sad to know people leave children and pets in vehicles where temperatures skyrocket very, very quickly. If you see this, please do something.

Never underestimate a heat wave. Proactive measures will allow you to ride out these blazing temperatures.

Stay cool and stay safe!