Extreme heat leads to numerous power outages across the state
Thousands were without power on Tuesday – including at a rehabilitation and health care facility in Point Pleasant.
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Tuesday was an extremely hot day in New Jersey, made even hotter for those without power. Residents across the state dealt with power outages and road closures due to the heat, including a health care center in Ocean County.
Those staying at Crest Pointe Rehab and Healthcare Center in Point Pleasant are part of the most vulnerable population when it comes to heat and humidity.
First responders were on standby Tuesday night after the facility went more than four hours without power when temperatures averaged 100 degrees.
"There was no AC, no AC for hours," said Theresa Mataras, whose older brother is a patient.
Mataras says she was bringing her brother a portable fan. She says due to his disability, he wasn't able to join more than 50 others who were relocated out of their rooms and into the cafeteria to stay cool.
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"They moved everybody who was able to move and there were some people who couldn't move, and they did make special accommodations," she said.
Police say power was restored after about four hours.
Smothering heat and no power for many residents across the Garden State could be a dangerous combination.
In Union County, residents were hit with an overnight outage that lasted throughout the day.
"At one point, we were in my car with the AC blasting because it's at least a little cooler in that than it is in there,” said Elvin Guerrero, of Kenilworth.
In Monmouth County, downed power lines, power outages and road closures made the day even longer for commuters, with inoperable traffic lights adding to the mess.
Gov. Phil Murphy says that there are cooling centers available across the state. Anyone who needs shelter can visit the state’s cooling center website or call 211.
