The Alternative Press

MADISON, NJ - Four cooling centers are open in Madison as temperatures climb into the upper 90s over the next few days.

In the event of any extended period of hot weather, the following facilities are open to the public as “cooling centers.” Remember to check hours of operation before arriving. The centers are:

Madison Public Library
39 Keep Street
Madison
973-377- 0722
Hours:
Monday - Wednesday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays until after Labor Day

Madison Civic Center
28 Walnut Street
Madison
973-593-3079
973-593-3095
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Madison Area YMCA
111 Kings Road
Madison
973-822-YMCA (9622)
Lobby area, more room as needed
Monday-Friday 5:15 a.m. -10:30 p.m.
Saturday 5:45 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Sunday 7:45 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Rexford Tucker Senior Housing
15 Chateau Thierry
Madison
973-377-0258
Community Room
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Also used as nutrition site M-W-F 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

The Borough’s Health Department and Senior Center has compiled a list of helpful suggestions for hot weather:

• Check the weather forecast before going out and avoid the hottest part of the day (10:00am to 6:00pm).
• Reduce outdoor activity.
• Keep shades drawn from mid-morning until evening to keep the heat out.
• Check medication instructions; some can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 even on cloudy days.
• Wear sunglasses with 99 percent to 100 percent UV or UVB filter.
• Cover your head with a wide brim hat or vented cap to shade your face, ears and neck.
• Wear light-colored, open weave, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay bug-free with insect repellant.
• Drink extra fluids all day, especially when playing sports. Avoid tea, coffee, cola and alcoholic beverages.
• Watch for warning symptoms such as hot and dry skin, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.
• Call 911 if medical attention is needed.

Residents are also asked to be aware of neighbors or relatives who may be elderly or ill and in need of assistance. Either personally check on their condition or refer them to the Health Department. The Health Department contact number is 973-593-3079, ext. 1.