The Burlington County Commissioners, the county Health Department and the county Office of Emergency Management are advising residents to take precautions during the next three days of extreme heat.
The National Weather Service has issued a Code Orange air quality alert and Extreme Heat Warning for all of Burlington County and the South Jersey region. The alert and warnings caution residents to be aware of the extreme risk for heat related illnesses and due to the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity.
According to the Weather Service, temperatures are expected to rise above the mid-90s to near 100 today through Wednesday with heat indexes between 100 and 110 degrees each day.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms if possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
“Severe heat and humidity is not something to take lightly and we’re encouraging residents to take precautions, reduce outdoor activities and to check on any elderly relatives or neighbors who may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses,” said Burlington County Commissioner Dr. Director Felicia Hopson. “For those without air-conditioning at home, we recommend visiting one of our Burlington County branch libraries or the Moorestown Mall to cool down during the day or evening. We want this summer to be a safe one, so let’s make sure we look after one another and take precautions to avoid any unnecessary tragedies.”
The Burlington County Office of Emergency Management is in close communication with area first responders and regional utility companies in case power outages occur.
Several Burlington County Library System branch libraries have been designated cooling centers for Burlington County and are prepared for additional visitors. Their hours are as follows:
Burlington County Library Main Branch, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton; open until 9 p.m.
Bordentown Branch Library, 18 East Union Street, Bordentown; open until 8:30 p.m.
Cinnaminson Branch Library, 1619 Riverton Road, Cinnaminson; open until 8:30 p.m.
Evesham Branch Library, 984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton; open until 8:30 p.m.
Maple Shade Branch Library, 200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade; open until 8:30 p.m.
Pemberton Community Library, 16 Broadway, Browns Mills; open until 8:30 p.m.
Pinelands Branch Library, 49 Union Street, Medford; open until 8:30 p.m.
Riverton Branch Library, 306 Main Street; open until 8:30 p.m.
In addition to those locations, the Burlington County Board of Social Services offices are also serving as a daytime cooling center. The offices are in the Burlington County Department of Human Services Building at 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton.
The Burlington County Department of Human Services Office on Aging also has a limited number of electric fans for elderly residents who need one. Please contact the Office on Aging at (609) 265-5069 to check availability.
