LAWRENCE: Cooling centers available

By Lea Khan, Staff Writer
   Facing a repeat of last weekend’s oppressive heat, Lawrence Township residents who are seeking a place to cool off during the excessive heat advisories have a couple of options — the Lawrence Township Community Center, the Lawrence Senior Center, and the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System.
   The Lawrence Township Community Center, located at 295 Eggerts Crossing Road, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. It is open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   The Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library System, on Darrah Lane at Brunswick Pike, is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.
   Next door to the Lawrence Library, the Lawrence Senior Center is open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The senior center on Darrah Lane is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
   Residents should drink water regularly even if they are not thirsty, try to stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned space, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing when going outdoors. They are also urged to check up on elderly relatives, friends and neighbors, and people with disabilities, who may need assistance keeping cool.
   Heat can cause assorted illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
   Heat stroke or “sunstroke” occurs when the body can’t rid itself of excess heat, and there is a sudden rise in body temperature. Symptoms can appear rapidly: look for very hot and dry skin (no sweat), dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Lower the body temperature as quickly as possible. Officials urge anyone with these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, as heat stroke can be fatal if not treated.
   Heat exhaustion is a mild form of shock from excess exposure to heat. Symptoms include pale, clammy skin with profuse sweating, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and sometimes abdominal cramping. Body temperature remains close to normal.
   Pets are also very vulnerable to excessive heat. Animals should never be left unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down or for short periods of time, and pets should be provided with plenty of fresh water to drink, and a shaded or sheltered area.