Hot Weather Tips

For most of us, summer is our favorite time of the year.  it's also a time to take precautions.

Every year hundreds of people die from heat exposure.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says no one should die from the heat.

Most people who are casualties from the heat are senior citizens.  The vast majority of these folks die at home during a heat wave.

We hear it all the time, but it's so true.  Always check on the elderly, loved ones, and neighbors when it's hot.  Make sure they have access to an air conditioner or a cool environment.

Take advantage of cooling centers, senior citizen facilities, even shopping malls.

Keep shades drawn during the daytime.  If you live in a multi-level house, stay downstairs.  Heat rises.  If you don't have air conditioning, keep the upstairs windows open and have a fan going to circulate the air.

While it's very hot, don't drink alcoholic or caffeine beverages.  They dehydrate.  Stick to sports drinks, fruit juices or best of all, good old water.

Let the kids play outside early in the morning or in the evening.

If you can, head to a swimming pool or one of the Great Garden State beaches to cool off.

Signs of heat exhaustion include skin that is cool, moist or pale.  Other signs are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and headache.

Finally, please don't forget our furry friends.
Never ever leave your dog or cat  unattended in your car..even for a minute!  The inside of a car during the warm months can reach well over 100 degrees within a minute or two.

I hope this helped you out to make this summer a bit more comfortable and safe.