Extreme Heat Safety: Beat the New Jersey Heat

1. Know It’s Serious

New Jersey is being hit with record-breaking temperatures. Readings as high as 109°F have already been recorded statewide, with humid summer air making things worse. Urban and suburban areas, like Edison, with its reflective asphalt, amplify heat and drive local temperatures even higher.

2. Monitor the Heat in Your Environment

• Rising lake levels in Middlesex County trap humidity and slow evaporation, which can push heat index values dangerously high.
• Paved surfaces in Bridgewater or Somerville absorb and radiate heat long after sunset.

3. Hydrate & Eat Smart

• Drink at least 1 cup of water every 15–20 minutes when active outside.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration.
• Choose light meals; salads, fruits, sandwiches.
• Avoid heating your kitchen, by using the stove or oven, during peak sun.

4. Protect Your Home

• Use drapes, shades, awnings, or reflective window inserts to block sunlight and reduce heat.
• Weather-strip doors, install AC snugly, and insulate ducts.
• If possible, raise the thermostat when away, run appliances at night, and using strong filters and fans.

5. Seek Cooling Options

• Plan to stay indoors during peak hours, which is generally 11 a.m to 4 p.m.
• Visit cooling centers if you need to be out. The Edison Senior Center is open Mon–Fri 8:30 am–8pm.
• Libraries and rec centers in Somerset and Bridgewater also offer safe environments to cool down.
• Escape to shaded parks in Piscataway or splash pads in South Plainfield for relief.

6. Outdoor Work & Recreation

• Avoid strenuous or extensive activity midday. Instead, schedule around dawn or dusk.
• Gradually introduce strenuous tasks to allow your body to acclimate to the heat.
• Rest in the shade, wear light colored-clothing and hats, and sip water frequently.

7. Look Out for the Vulnerable

• Check twice daily on elderly neighbors and infants in your household.
• Be aware of symptoms like nausea, dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating. These are signs of heat exhaustion, and a sign to take a rest.
• Never leave kids, pets, or vulnerable persons unattended in parked cars, even for a few minutes

8. Pets & Pavement Safety

• Asphalt in summer can reach over 150°F, hot enough to burn paws in seconds.
• Walk pets during the cool early morning or evening, and test pavement with your hand before stepping out.
• Provide plenty of shade, fresh water, and wet towels can help cool them off.
  

9. Community Preparedness

• Support local tree planting and reflective pavement projects in urban centers. These mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• Support or start hydration stations, neighborhood check-ins, and mutual-aid networks.

10. Prevent Summer Fires

Hot, dry summer conditions can increase the risk of spontaneous or accidental fires. Grills, improperly discarded cigarettes, and even overheated lawn equipment can spark flames near dry brush or mulch.

• Never leave grills or fire pits unattended, and always keep them away from structures or dry vegetation.
• Dispose of cigarettes in proper containers. Never dispose of cigarettes in grass, planters, or mulch.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby when doing outdoor work, and avoid mowing during extreme heat or drought conditions, when sparks are more likely to fly.

If a fire does occur, call 911 immediately and evacuate safely. You can find fire safety and recovery tips here.

While we hope you never experience a fire, PuroClean of Middlesex is here to help with compassionate, professional restoration services should the unexpected happen. We’re part of this community, and our first goal is always your safety.

Stay safe, New Jersey. Heat waves are intensifying with ongoing climate shifts. With smart planning, hydration, and community care, we can get through this summer together.