Excessive heat around New Jersey poses dangers, especially to older residents

New Jersey residents are urged to look out for older residents as excessive heat keeps its sticky grasp on the state.

News 12 Staff

Aug 11, 2021, 9:16 PM

Updated 1,260 days ago

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New Jersey residents are urged to look out for older residents as excessive heat keeps its sticky grasp on the state.
The scorching conditions are not typically healthy for anyone, particularly senior citizens. Everyone is encouraged to stay in cooler spaces, drink plenty of water and limit their time outdoors as temperatures rise to the upper-90s.
“There are more risks for seniors during heat waves like this,” says Synergy HomeCare of North-Central Jersey owner Tina Romero. “The ability to notice changes in body temperature decreases with age – as we get older.”
Romero says medications that seniors may take can also play a part in how their body regulates heat.
“A lot of times when we visit - when we go into people's homes for the first time, they don't realize their home is so hot, like in the 90s and they don't feel it,” Romero says. “They think it's normal and even sometimes they'll wear a sweater. It's so dangerous for them… They can overheat and get dehydrated and once they get dehydrated, they could faint or fall."
Everyone, especially seniors, is encouraged to stay hydrated and wear light clothing. Anyone who must go outside should only do so during the cooler parts of the day.
“Family members just make sure to check in on mom and dad, more so now. Just give them a call to make sure they are OK,” Romero says.
Romero says that when checking on the seniors, do not be afraid to call 911 if no one answers the phone or door and they are supposed to be home. She says that it is better to be safe than sorry.
Temperatures around New Jersey are expected to be above 90 through the weekend.