West Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is monitoring an active weather pattern occurring today, until the end of the week.  A heat advisory is in effect for today.  Heat indices are expected to reach near 100 degrees.  Later today, frontal boundaries will move into the region, with heavy rain expected tomorrow.  Depending on the eventual track of Tropical Storm Arthur, wind and tides may be of concern on Friday.  Although weather conditions will improve by Saturday, rip currents will be a threat throughout the July 4th holiday weekend.

Children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures.  The NJ Office of Emergency Management is asking NJ residents to check on family, friends and neighbors during hot weather, paying special attention to children and older adults,  as they are most susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion.  Signs that a person could be impacted include: hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, an absence of sweat, cramps, headache or confusion.  Residents can contact their local and/or County Offices of Emergency Management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations, or call 2-1-1.

Those that are getting an early start to the holiday weekend should remember to drive safely when on the road during rainy conditions.   Don’t drive through ponded or standing water.  As little as six inches of water can cause drivers to lose control of the car, or cause stalling.  Don’t drive around barricades; and brake properly to avoid skidding.

Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches.  Rip currents pull people away from shore.  Rip current speeds can vary from moment to moment and can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf, pulling even the strongest swimmer out to sea.  Always obey posted signs and flags on the beach.  Swim near lifeguards; and never swim on an unguarded beach.

For more information regarding heat related emergencies, please log on to ready.nj.gov.  Air quality can be monitored at www.airnow.gov.   For information regarding rip currents, visit, http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.  For safe driving tips, visit the National Weather Service road safety page at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/tadd/tadd-intro.shtml.

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