Mayor Baraka Issues Code Red: Newark Braces for Extreme Heat Index

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook announced that the City of Newark has activated a Code Red from 10:00 a.m. today, Wednesday, July 16, through 8:00 a.m., Friday, July 18. While temperatures will be in the 90s, the heat index is expected to reach as high as 102°F, prompting this critical health warning.

A Code Red is issued in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity, particularly when the heat index reaches 100°F or more. Such conditions pose a risk for heat-related illness and death. Residents, especially seniors and those with chronic health issues, should take immediate precautions to prevent heat-related stress and exhaustion.

The Health Department urges Newark residents to take steps to prevent serious illness from extreme heat. This is especially important for vulnerable populations like seniors, individuals with chronic health problems, or mental health conditions. Citizens should also check on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

Residents should use air conditioning to stay cool and stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. Limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest part of the day, which is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to extreme temperatures, the air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive populations. Extreme heat and stagnant air during a heat wave increase air pollution. Sensitive groups—including people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers—should limit time outdoors.

The Department of Health’s Office of Homeless Services and its partners are actively supporting residents who need services during this Code Red. Shelters will remain open during non-traditional hours and expand bed capacity. Street outreach workers will conduct outreach 24/7, encouraging unsheltered residents to enter emergency shelters or visit drop-in or cooling centers.

The Office of Homeless Services is also working with community-based organizations to provide overnight shelter for residents without an address. If you see an unsheltered resident needing non-emergency services, text “Path Home” to 855-11. This text is relayed to street outreach teams who will locate the person and offer services. For more information on sheltering services, contact the drop-in centers listed below or the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877-9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Drop-in Centers for Unsheltered Residents:

• Bridges Outreach, INC Project Connect: 35 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ. Phone: (973) 723-2307.

• Better Life: 101 14th Avenue, Newark, NJ. Phone: (862) 229-1400 ext. 6123.

• NJCRI – Crossroads: 393 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ. Phone: (973) 483-3444.

• Newark Emergency Services – Drop in Center: 982 Broad Street, Newark, NJ. Phone: (973) 639-2100.

Health and Safety Tips for Protection Against the Heat:

• Use air conditioning or fans. If AC is unavailable at home, seek out an air-conditioned location.

• Stay out of the sun to avoid overheating.

• Wear lightweight, bright, or light-colored clothing to reflect sun’s energy.

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Consult your physician if on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• Eat small, frequent meals.

• Avoid strenuous activity from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If necessary, exercise during the coolest part of the day (4 a.m. to 7 a.m.).

• Go to an air-conditioned building during the hottest parts of the day.

• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.

• Cover all exposed skin with SPF 30+ sunscreen.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• Use extreme caution with infants outdoors in extreme heat. Do not overdress small children.

• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.

The City of Newark will open cooling centers in the five wards during extremely high temperatures and humidity. Find the nearest one by calling (973) 733-4311, visiting http://www.newarknj.gov, or following the city on Facebook.

Newark Senior Citizen Centers/Cooling Sites (Seniors Only):

• Central Ward: Bethany Baptist Church/Bethany Senior Citizen Center, 275 W. Market Street (Entrance: 58 Hartford Street). Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Contact: Almetta Sabb (973) 733-5739.

• East Ward: Ironbound Senior Citizen Center, 226 Rome Street. Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Contact: Kelly DosSantos (862) 285-8574.

• West Ward: Boylan Senior Citizen Center, 916 South Orange Avenue. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Contact: LaStar La Grier (973)518-6115 (City Cell), (551)247-3200.

• North Ward: Vince Lombardi, 201 Bloomfield Avenue. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Contact: Iris Muniz (973) 482-5439.

• South Ward: Nellie Grier Senior Citizen Center, 98-104 Maple Avenue. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Contact: Wadih Chedid (973) 424-4096.

Recreational Centers and Pools Summer Hours (Open to all Newark Residents):

• JFK Recreation Center (Central Ward): 211 West Kinney Street (entrance on Howard Street). Mon-Fri 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Pool: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.), Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed 1-2 p.m.).

• Kenneth Gibson/Sharpe James Recreation Center (East Ward): 226 Rome Street. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Indoor Pool: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.), Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed 1-2 p.m.).

• Vince Lombardi Center of Hope (North Ward): 201 Bloomfield Avenue. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• Rotunda Recreation Center (North Ward): 75 Clifton Ave. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Outdoor Pool: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.), Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.0m. (closed 1-2 p.m.).

• St. Peter’s Recreation Center/Bo Porter Sports Complex (South Ward): 378 Lyons Avenue. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Outdoor Pool: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.), Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed 1-2 p.m.).

• Boylan Recreation Center (West Ward): 916 South Orange Avenue. Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.0m. – 5:30 p.m. Outdoor Pool: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.), Sat 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed 1-2 p.m.).

Keeping Your Pets Safe:

• Avoid dehydration: Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water.

• Protect paws: Do not let dogs linger on hot asphalt.

• Know danger signs: Look for excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart/respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, stupor, or collapse. Flat-faced animals are more susceptible to heat stroke.

• Never leave a pet in a parked car.

• Install window screens for cat safety.

• Prepare a pet emergency “go bag” with food, water, medications, and supplies.

For additional information, visit http://www.newarknj.gov or follow the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness on social media: http://www.facebook.com/NewarkDHCW and http://www.twitter.com/NewarkDHCW.

Facts About Heat Illness:

Heat illness is serious and potentially fatal. It can also worsen existing heart or lung conditions. Increased risk factors include: no or unused air conditioning, age 65+, chronic medical or mental health conditions, certain medications, immobility, being overweight, or alcohol/drug consumption.

Know the Warning Signs of Heat Stress!

If you or someone feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. Call 911 if you or someone exhibits two or more of these symptoms:

 * Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin

 * Trouble breathing

 * Rapid heartbeat

 * Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness

 * Nausea and vomiting

Air Quality Alert:

Heat waves often lead to poor air quality due to increased ozone and particulate pollution. Stay informed by visiting airnow.gov (Northeast Urban) to check current air quality and inform outdoor activity decisions.