City residents are urged to take precautions: use air conditioning to stay cool, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and limit strenuous activity

What happened

Mayor Ras J.

Thursday, August 6, through 8 p.m.

Key details

A Code Red is a hot weather health warning issued in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity, with periods where the heat index reaches 100ºF or higher.

These conditions can lead to heat-related illness, heat stroke, and, in extreme cases, serious medical complications.

Seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially encouraged to take precautions to avoid heat stress and exhaustion.

Citizens should also check in on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

Residents should use air conditioning to stay cool, stay hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

The extreme heat and stagnant air during a heat wave can increase the amount of pollution in the air.

Sensitive groups, including people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers, should limit time outdoors.

The Newark Office of Sustainability, Resilience, and Community Transformation recommends that during periods of extreme heat, residents take advantage of Newark’s public parks as safe, accessible spaces for relief.

Many parks throughout the city offer cooling amenities like shaded areas, splash pads, drinking fountains, public restrooms, and seating to help residents stay cool and hydrated.

Parks include Branch Brook Park, Weequahic Park, Chamblee Square Park, Independence Park, Riverfront Park, Riverbank Park, Kaboom Park, 1st Street Park, Nat Turner Park, and Military Park.

Homeless Street Outreach Teams conduct canvassing operations seven days a week, encouraging unsheltered residents to seek refuge in emergency shelters or visit designated drop-in and cooling centers.

For additional information regarding sheltering services, please contact the drop-in centers listed below or the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877-9482, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Newark Emergency Services - Drop in Center

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

Air conditioning is the best way to stay cool when it is hot outside.

However, some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it.

Newark residents are encouraged to use air conditioning or fans.

If air conditioning is unavailable at a residence, please assist those affected to get to a place where it is available.

Stay out of the sun.

This is the quickest way to become overheated.

Also, avoid extreme temperature changes.

Wear lightweight, bright, or light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.

Drink fluids—water is best—even if you do not feel thirsty.

Water is also the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.

If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, please consult your physician first.

Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.

Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours, which are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you must perform any strenuous activity, it is advisable to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for during the hottest parts of the day.

What officials said

Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook announced that the City of Newark is activating Code Red from 11 a.m.

Residents who encounter an unsheltered individual in need of non-emergency assistance are encouraged to text “Path Home” to 855-11.

Why it matters to residents

The Health Department urges Newark residents to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions.

The Office of Homeless Services and its community partners remain committed to supporting residents who may require assistance during a Code Red event.

What happens next

Friday, August 7.Temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s, with the heat index climbing as high as 100°.

In addition to extreme temperatures, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach 105, indicating unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups.

Messages are immediately relayed to homeless street outreach teams, who will locate the individual and connect them with available services and resources.

This will help your body to maintain a cooler temperature.

Source and attribution: Jersey Alerts reviewed the primary official release from City of Newark Official and any additional sources identified above. Names, dates, figures, quotations, claims and characterizations remain attributed to their cited source unless Jersey Alerts states that they were independently confirmed.

Read the official release