COURT HOUSE - With the temperatures forecasted to be above 95 degrees through Thursday night, the County Emergency Management Communications Center has asked Municipal Emergency Management Coordinators and Chiefs of Police to consider providing accommodations for a Cooling Center for residents and visitors to their community that may be stranded in high heat circumstances. Cape May County Emergency Management Director Frank McCall said, “The Cooling Center does not have to be elaborate. It should be air conditioned and water, juice, chairs and cots should be available if possible.”

McCall added, "Our municipalities responded and are prepared to open Cooling Centers in their communities if needed. It is important that we in Cape May County be attuned to the needs of our residents and visitors. While our summer months can be very enjoyable, conditions like we are experiencing this week can have a serious impact on our children, senior citizens and individuals who may have medical conditions that leave them vulnerable to the effects of scorching heat and record-like temperatures. It is important that the Public Safety Community attempts to provide a safe haven for folks in their untimely need of assistance."

Libraries are wonderful places for the entire family to go and cool off. There are eight Cape May County library branches located in Cape May Court House, the City of Cape May, Lower Township, Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor, Upper Township, Wildwood Crest and Woodbine. For information and hours call 609-463-6350.

Also, Cape May County has four Senior Centers which are open Monday through Friday. The Lower Cape Center in the Villas 886-5161, the North Wildwood Center 522-7611, the Ocean City Senior Center 399-0055 and the Upper Township Senior Center 390-9409.

Freeholder Vice-Director Ralph E. Sheets, Jr. reminds residents and visitors to Cape May County that high temperatures and humid conditions have the potential of making outdoor activities and non air-conditioned facilities extremely dangerous and uncomfortable.

Freeholder Sheets said, “Exposure to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time could cause serious health conditions. Taking precautions and following simple guidelines can minimize or eliminate the dangers of a heat wave.”
The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management wants residents to know the signs and to take necessary precautions.

The following are heat related safety tips:
• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible
• If you do go outside stay in the shade
• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air
conditioned mall, library or other public place
• Wear sunscreen outside, along with loose fitting light colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
• Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Limit alcohol, and sugary drinks
which speeds dehydration
• Never leave children or pets alone in the car
• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Check on elderly and special needs individuals in your community who may need assistance keeping cool.

If someone is in need of place to cool off, please contact your local emergency management office or the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management at (609) 463-6570.