June 19, 2024

NEWARK ACTIVATES CODE RED FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 20 THROUGH FRIDAY, JUNE 21, AS TEMPERATURES RISE INTO THE HI-90s WITH A HEAT INDEX HIGH OF 101°F

Newark, NJ – June 19, 2024 — MayorRas J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director KetlenBaptiste Alsbrook announced that the City of Newark is activating a CODE REDfor 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20 through 8 p.m. Friday, June 21. Temperaturesare expected to rise into the hi-90s with a temperature as high as 97°F and aheat index as high as 101°F. The City of Newark will experience its first CodeRed for the season with temperatures exceeding 90°F for two days or more.

TheHealth Department urges Newark residents to take precautions to prevent seriousillness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerablepopulations such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mentalhealth conditions. Vulnerable Newark residents should use air conditioning tostay cool, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity,especially during the hottest parts of the day (which are from 11 a.m. to 4p.m.).

TheCity is reminding residents that emergency shelters are operating duringextremely hot weather. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services is collaboratingwith community-based organizations to provide overnight shelter for residentswith no address. 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.

TheMayor’s Office of Homeless Services and its partners are committed to supportingresidents that may need services during a code red. During this emergency,additional street outreach is conducted to Newark residents who areunsheltered, encouraging them to enter emergency shelters or visit drop-in orcooling centers.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services also has a texting hotline for the public to use to help any unsheltered resident in need of services. The public may text “Path Home” to 855-11 if they see someone on the street that needs non-emergency assistance. The text is sent to street outreach teams that will locate the person and offer services.

TheMayor’s Office of Homeless Services will deploy street outreach workers toengage Newark’s homeless population from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week. Attention is focused on homeless “hotspots” such as Penn Station, city parks, under bridges, and areas off McCarterHighway, etc., and especially chronically homeless individuals and those withmental health and substance abuse issues. Ifyou identify homeless individuals in need of services, text “Path Home”to 855-11.

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

CHECKON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT

A small, but crucialgesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer. Get to knowyour neighbors and contact neighbors and relatives—by phone—at least twice aday during heat waves. Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young,and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. Citizens should also check inon neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

HEALTHAND 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 for several hours 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.

FACTSABOUT 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. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

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).

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