Summer has finally brought New Jersey an intense heat wave for this year. Temperatures this week have been in the 90s and are expected to stay there until Monday. Heat related illness is a real danger right now and it’s more important than ever to stay cool. If your air conditioning is not working, here are some ideas to beat the heat!
Visit the mall!
FRANKLIN, TN – MAY 02: Customers make their way through CoolSprings Galleria shopping mall despite many retail locations inside the mall remaining closed on May 2, 2020 in Franklin, Tennessee. Retail, restaurants and some other nonessentail businesses are allowed to reopen in Tennessee outside of several major cities following coronavirus (covid-19) closures. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
You don’t have to spend a lot, or any, money if you don’t want, but going to the mall is a great way to cool down. Take some time to do some window shopping and look around or go for a little walk. Find something cool to sip on at the food court! They tend to be less busy in the middle of the day when it is the hottest.Find a local water park!
WUHAN, CHINA – JUNE 17: People play with crayfish inflatables at Playa Maya water park on June 17, 2018 in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
New Jersey has a variety of water entertainment venues throughout the state. While some are outdoors, they provide a fun way to stay cool during the blistering heat. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!Go to your local library!
Libraries are great places to get out of the heat. Not only are they a good place to keep cool, but they’re obviously a great place to read! Take in some new knowledge or go on an adventure at your local library!
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – MAY 17: A general view of the library inside the Schloss Elmau luxury hotel in Kruen on May 17, 2022 near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Leaders of the G7 group of nations will convene at Schloss Elmau from June 26 to 28. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Head down the shore!
New Jersey is lined with beaches! If you don’t mind the outdoors during the heat wave take a trip down to one of New Jersey’s shore points and go for a dip in the surf to cool down. Don’t forget to pack your towel and sunscreen and something to cover your feet – the sand could be hot!
ASBURY PARK, NJ – MAY 26: People visit the beach during Memorial Day weekend on May 26, 2019 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and this year New Jersey has banned smoking and vaping on nearly every public beach under tougher new restrictions. (Photo by Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
Find a local cooling center!
During waves of extreme heat, your local municipality may establish cooling centers for those who are at risk of heat-related illness. Check your town’s website or ask your local officials if there are any in your town or nearby.
CHICAGO – JULY 18: Two women are reflected in the window of a cooling center located in a Chicago Department of Human Services center July 18, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago operates eight Human Services Centers across the city during extreme weather conditions. The Chicago area has been experiencing an extremely hot and dry summer. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)