COUNTY OFFERS WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT AS TEMPERATURES SOAR

WITH TEMPERATURES expected to flirt with 100 degrees later this week, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is asking residents to take precautions to "beat the heat."

The Freeholders encouraged residents without air conditioning to seek a cooler space during the hottest part of the day.

"The Ocean County Library is a cool place to be," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. "All of our 21 Ocean County Library branches will be open their normal hours and offer a great refuge from the soaring heat and humidity."

Vicari, who is also liaison to both the Library and the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, said residents should check with the Ocean County Library Website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org for information on hours and special events at each branch.

All library branches will be closed on July 4th, however.

Vicari said it is especially important for senior citizens to stay cool and hydrated.

Meals on Wheels drivers will be checking with their clients on Friday and Monday to ensure they are safe and comfortable," he said.

"If you have air conditioning in your home, please use it," he said.

Vicari said he met this week with Jersey Central Power & Light executive Don Lynch to discuss the utility's plan to meet the high demand resulting from both the hot weather and the July 4th holiday.

"We had a very productive meeting and I'm hopeful our residents will not see service interruptions this summer," Vicari said.

For residents without air conditioning, the Ocean County Mall is also a centrally located air-conditioned space. Located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River the mall is open every day including July 4th.

"The County Connection at the mall offers information on a host of county services, as well as free computers for public use, said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.

Kelly advised any residents suffering from the heat and unable to leave their home to contact their municipal office of emergency management.

Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Health Department, offered the following tips to stay cool:
· Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
· Ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids within easy reach.
· Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.
· Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
· Don't leave 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.
· Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness.