Power Shut Downs Could Affect Tinton Falls; Heat Relief Center is Available

According to the Tinton Falls Office of Emergency Management, JCP&L will be performing an emergency shut-down of power on Friday, July 22 in an area of Colts Neck, which may affect Tinton Falls Residents in the North West region of the Municipality (North of RT 537 between Swimming River Road and the Garden State Parkway).

To combat temperatures soaring over 100 degrees on Friday, the OEM has released the following information:

TINTON FALLS OPENS HEAT RELIEF CENTER

Due to the high temperatures and humidity, The Tinton Falls Office of Emergency Management has designated the Tinton Falls EMS – South Building as a Heat Relief Center.

The EMS building at 1 Volunteer Way, off Asbury Avenue in Tinton Falls, will be open for those seeking relief today. For further information you may contact OEM Coordinator John Mack at 732-241-5081 or the EMS Building at 732-922-4800.

Extreme heat and humidity pose health risks for older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions.  Be sure to check on elderly neighbors that may need assistance. Other areas of refuge from the heat include enclosed shopping malls and County libraries.

Other ways to keep cool:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the mall or public library — even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air- conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar — these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat; however, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).