Stay Safe in the Extreme Heat

It's going to be hot Wednesday and Thursday.

Patch's weather forecast, courtesy of Weatherbug, says the heat index will be around 100 degrees in and around Morris County. And even if you're a commuter, it'll be hard to get away from it; temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s throughout the state.

"The best way to avoid heat stroke is to drink plenty of fluids, stay in cool places and avoid over exerting yourself," said New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O'Dowd said in a statement from her department. "The department also recommends that residents check on elderly family members and neighbors to make sure they are safe. Extreme heat and humidity can be especially dangerous to the elderly, young children and persons taking certain medications."

To safeguard against health complications from excessive heat, the Department of Health and Senior Services suggests:

• Drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
• For those without air conditioning, spending time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, mallsor other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day. Check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available.
• Wearing sunscreen, a hat and loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors.
• Avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day and reducing physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day.
• Never leaving children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car -- not even for a minute -- as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
• Talking to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking as certain medications -- such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease -- can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Extreme temperatures and humidity can also bring on heat stroke and heat exhaustion,  the department said. People suffering heatstroke can go from appearing normal to extremely ill in a matter of minutes. Symptoms include having hot, dry skin, a high body temperature of 106 degrees or more, an absence of sweat, and a rapid and strong pulse. Victims may become delirious or unconscious. Persons suffering from heatstroke need immediate medical attention.

Heat exhaustion is a milder illness that may take several days of high temperatures to develop. Victims may have pale, clammy skin and sweat profusely. They may feel tired, weak or dizzy and have headaches or sometimes cramps, but their body temperature will remain close to normal.

If you're venturing outside—and if you are, we urge you to be careful—where in Morristown are you going to beat the heat? Tell us in the comments.