Full Notification

The National Weather Service has issued the following alerts for the Borough of Carlstadt:

• A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 PM Wednesday night
• A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until late Wednesday night
• An Air Quality Alert is in effect until 10 PM Wednesday
• A Heat Advisory will be in effect from now through Sunday, July 21

 
 
Thunderstorms could pass through the area at any time this afternoon and evening.  These storms are expected to bring heavy downpours and some high gusting winds.  Downed lines with power outages, downed trees and localized / flash flooding is possible.
 
Due to the high heat, the air quality in the area is poor.  While the alert is currently only for Wednesday, expect poor quality air throughout the weekend.
 
Temperatures this weekend are expected to be in the high 90’s with high humidity making it feel as if the temperature is near 110.
 
 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
 
THUNDERSTORM & FLOODING – Do not touch downed wires. If a wire come down, please notify the police department.  For downed limbs, if in the roadway, notify the police and if possible, move the limb to the side of the road. Do not move any limbs or trees tangled with wires.  Do not drive through flooded areas as your call could stall and you could become trapped.
 
HEAT ADVISORY –
 

• Find air conditioning. Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid strenuous activities.

• Dink plenty of water. Juices, coffee and alcohol could have a dehydrating effect on your body.

• Watch for heat illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Seek medical attention or call 9-1-1 if you, a family member or neighbor are experiencing one of these
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors, particularly those who are elderly and handicapped.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it. Also, alcoholic beverages, while refreshing, can cause dehydration and lead to a heat related illness.
• Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle.

 
 
RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND
 
Know the signs of heat-related illness and the ways to respond to it:
 
HEAT CRAMPS
•             Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs
•             Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
 
 
HEAT EXHAUSTION
•             Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting
•             Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
 
HEAT STROKE
•             Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness
•             Actions: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.
 
 
Due to this heat advisory, the Carlstadt Office of Emergency Management will be opening and operating an Emergency Shelter / Cooling Center at the Civic Center located on Fourth Street.  The cooling center will open at approximately 8 AM on Friday and Saturday and will remain open as long as needed. If you are in need of the cooling center and it is not open, please contact the Emergency Management Coordinator at the number below.
 
Remember if your hot, so is your pet, so keep them cool and hydrated as well.
 
Please check on your elderly, sick or handicapped neighbors.  The sick and elderly are more susceptible to heat related injuries. 
 
Please remain safe during this time of high heat. Check on elderly or handicapped neighbors. 
 
In case of emergency, call 9-1-1. For other questions, contact OEM @ 201-362-1942
 
Yours in Preparedness,
Carlstadt Office of Emergency Management