Union County, NJ – With oppressive heat forecast throughout the weekend, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents to take steps to protect themselves against heat related illnesses, and to know what number to call in case of a power outage.
“Plan on limiting outdoor activity and spending time in a cool environment, whether at home or at a local cooling center or other public place,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Heat related illnesses can have serious consequences.”
Residents should also have their electricity bill handy this weekend. The bill includes the phone number to call in case of a power outage. Do not call 9-1-1. Only the electricity provider can respond to a power outage.
- For PSEG customers, the number is 1-800-436-7734.
- For JCPL customers, the number is 1-800-662-3115.
Additionally, utility companies advise that every resident without power should call their electricity provider, and not assume that someone else in the area will call.
Parents, caregivers and pet owners are advised that children and animals left in a hot car, even for a short time, can experience life-threatening and even lethal consequences from overheating.
Heat stroke is a potentially fatal condition characterized by high temperature, nausea, dizziness, confusion and fainting. Residents should call 9-1-1 if heat stroke is suspected.
Heat exhaustion symptoms can be similar. In case of heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool cloths, take a cool bath, and sip cool water. Seek medical attention if nausea occurs or if other symptoms persist or worsen.
More details are available through the US Centers for Disease Control guide to warning signs.
Persons working outdoors are advised to take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Other residents are advised to stay indoors when possible and keep outdoor activity to a low level. Shutting drapes, shades and curtains will help keep indoor spaces cooler during the day.
Public libraries, recreation and community centers, and shopping malls are examples of indoor locations where residents can cool off.
Union County has made the following heat related adjustments to recreation programs this weekend:
- Tonight’s Shakespeare in the Park event has been moved indoors to the Trailside Nature & Science Center
- Union County’s Ulrich swimming pool in Rahway, and the new Wheeler Spray Park in Linden, will both be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Water features in other Union County parks will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Riding at Watchung Stable will not be permitted after 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Other Union County parks with water features are Warinanco Park in Roselle, Phil Rizzuto Park in Union, Snyder Park in Berkeley Heights, Ponderosa Park in Scotch Plains, Mattano Park in Elizabeth, and Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield. For maps and directions visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.
The County’s Trailside Nature and Science in Mountainside will be open for Friday night’s Shakespeare in the Park performance, and for its normal operating hours from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Trailside features interactive exhibits and an expansive reading room. For more details visit ucnj.org/parks-activities.
The following municipalities in Union County are offering cooling centers. Residents planning to visit these locations should call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Please contact your local Police Department for more information if your town is not listed.
Berkeley Heights
Town Hall
29 Park Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Phone: (908) 464-2700 ext. 2110
Contact: Angela Lazzari, Office of Township Clerk
Autumn Lake Healthcare
35 Cottage Street
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Phone: (908) 897-1000
Clark
430 Westfield Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
Phone: (732) 388-3600
Contact: Nancy Raymond, Health Officer
Cranford
8 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ 07016
Phone: (908) 709-7200; Fax: (908) 276-7664
Contact: Patty
Elizabeth
Miller Evans Logan Recreation Center
161-163 First Street
This Friday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Elmora Racquet Club
23 Fernwood Terrace
(908) 820-2860
Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Peterstown Community Center
408 Palmer Street
(908) 820-4288
Monday through Friday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Fanwood
Chelsea Senior Living Center
295 South Ave.
(908) 654-5200
Open daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Linden
Linden Public Library
31 East Henry Street
Operating Hours
Monday -Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday Closed
John T. Gregorio Recreation Center
330 Helen Street
Operating Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Linden Multi-Purpose Center
1025 John Street
Operating Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Closed
Plainfield
Plainfield Senior Center
400 East Front Street
(908) 753-3506
Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Rahway
Rahway Library
5075, 2 City Hall Plaza,
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 340-1551
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 9am-8pm
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Rahway Recreation Center
275 E Milton Ave
Rahway, NJ 07065
(732) 669-3600
Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunday Closed
Roselle Park
Cassano Center
314 Chestnut Street
Roselle Park, NJ 07204
(908) 245-0666
Monday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Union
Senior Center
968 Bonnel Court
(908) 851-5290
Open daily 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Townhall
1976 Morris Ave.
(908) 851-8500
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday Closed
For more information on resources for senior citizens, contact the Union County Division on Aging toll-free, 888-280-8226.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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