Officials Urging People To Stay Safe In Hot Weather
By Cleve Bryan, Justin Udo, Natasha Brown
CLEMENTON, N.J. (CBS) – Visitors to Clementon Park's Splash World had 300,000 reasons to feel a little cooler during 90-degree heat Friday, that's how may gallons are in the wave pool.
"It cools us off. I burned yesterday so I'm here to cool off today," says Jerry Sidone who brought his daughters Natalie and Julia from Bordentown to Splash World.
Beating the heat isn't just fun and games says the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross.
"It is very easy to become heat stressed," says Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO of the SEPA Red Cross.
She says everyone needs to be aware of the signs that your body is heading toward heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
"If you become excessively hot, if you have cool damp skin, if you get a headache, if it becomes hard to breathe – STOP," says Hughes.
As the sun started to go down, the party cranked up at Penn's Landing as hundreds flocked to the Taste of Philadelphia.
"When we came here it was very hot especially around 12 o'clock," said Farah Azeem. "Now that time has passed we're enjoying a lot."
While folks are enjoying the dazzling fireworks display and an evening breeze along the Delaware River, brutal temperatures are on the way with the humidity expected to make temperatures on Saturday feel like they're in the triple digits.
"Make sure you wear loose fitted, light colored clothing if you're going to be outside," said Dr. Jen Caudle, Family Medicine, Rowan University. "Again try to avoid the prime hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., those are the hottest hours of the day. Make sure you wear sunscreen and really just be safe."
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the greater Philadelphia area on Saturday and Sunday.
Governor Chris Christie's Office sent out an advisory Friday warning NJ residents to keep a close watch on children, the elderly and disabled.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is asking people to make sure that air conditioners and fans are working when they visit older friends, relatives and neighbors.
"With seniors, the added precaution is sometimes a senior's body is not telling them that they are not dealing well with the heat and you really have to look at warning signs," says Chris Gallagher. "Some are experiencing medical conditions where we can put them right in touch with a nurse to discuss [it] with to see how they are dealing with the heat and what else they can do, and possibly get some medical attention."
He is the Director of the helpline at Philadelphia Corporation For Aging, which has a heat helpline to assist the elderly with any questions or concerns they have.
To find a cooling station in New Jersey you can call your local county or the 2-1-1 hotline.
Experts say to keep water available at all times so you don't get dehydrated and avoid strenuous activities during the middle of the day.
For more tips on how to keep your family safe during excessive heat you can visit the National Weather Service Heat Safety website.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's 'Heatline' 215-765-9040
SEE ALSO:
Latest Forecast
Excessive Heat Warning
Beat The Heat Guide
Cooling Centers
Pool Guide
