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Where to Find Relief from the Heat in Union County

Union County, NJ – With several days of hotter than normal temperatures still ahead, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that resources are available for cooling off during extreme hot weather.

“We are also asking residents to check on their elderly relatives, friends and neighbors,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Christopher Hudak, “Make sure they are feeling comfortable and are drinking plenty of fluids, and help them seek out a cooler environment if they appear to be experiencing heat-related symptoms.”

Dehydration and prolonged exposure to heat can lead to muscle cramping, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue along with other symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Heat related illness can occur in any age group, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable. In extreme cases, the condition can develop into heat stroke, which can be fatal.

During hot weather, residents are advised to stay indoors when possible and keep activity to a low level. Shutting drapes, shades and curtains helps to keep indoor spaces cooler.

If adequate cooling in not available at home, Union County residents can call their local municipal offices to find out if a public cooling center is available nearby. Typical locations senior centers, community centers and public libraries.

So far, the following Union County municipalities have announced cooling centers:

Elizabeth: Sampson Senior Citizen Center, 800 Ana Street. (phone: 908-820-4704)

Fanwood: Chelsea Senior Living Center, 295 South Avenue 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (phone: 908-264-5144).

Garwood: Borough Hall, 403 South Avenue, Council Chambers open 24 hours daily (phone: 908-789-0710).

Linden: Linden Library, 31 East Henry Street, 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (phone: 908-298-3830). Note: Normal Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; however, the library will be closed this Saturday.

Roselle Park: Casano Community Center, 300 Chestnut Street, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (phone: 908-245-0666).

Roselle: Anthony Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, daily 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (phone: 908-245-5600).

Union Township: Senior Center, 968 Bonnel Court, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (908-851-5290).

Union Township: Union Township Library, 1980 Morris Avenue, Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; (phone: 908-851-5450).

Relief can also be found at a museum, mall, or any other cooled public space where seating is available.

A visit to the County’s Trailside Museum and Science Center offers another nearby opportunity to spend some time in an air conditioned environment. Admission to Trailside is free every day, seven days a week except for holidays. Special events, classes and programs are also available for a modest fee.

For those wishing to cool off outdoors, two Union County swimming pools are available to all County residents, the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway and the John Russell Wheeler Memorial Pool in Linden.

Spray pools and playgrounds with spray features are also available at the County’s Mattano and Phil Rizzuto parks in Elizabeth, Warinanco Park in Elizabeth and Roselle, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, and Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights.

For more information on the Trailside Museum and all other Union County recreational facilities visit ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

For more information on resources for senior citizens, contact the Union County Division on Aging toll-free, 888-280-8226.