Scorching Temperatures Expected Today

Thursday's temperatures are expected to reach 96 degrees and it could feel as hot as 101 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. 

If you experience a power outage, call (800) 436-PSEG. Customers can also PSE&G restoration progress on Twitter. 

PSE&G reported about 570 customers in New Jersey without power around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night, including some residences in Princeton. Crews were working overnight to restore service, a utility representative said.

Effective immediately and until Friday afternoon, the lobby of the Princeton Township Police Department, located at 1 Valley Rd., is open as a refuge for those looking for relief from the heat. Free water will be provided.

Other designated cooling centers in town during the heat wave include Princeton Public Library, Borough Hall and the the Suzanne Patterson Center. 

Princeton residents may also cool off at Community Park Pool, which is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd said the risk is especially high for the elderly and children. "Hot, dry skin, an absence of sweat and a rapid and strong pulse are all signs of heat stroke," she said. "If you have elderly family members, friends or neighbors, be sure to check in on them to make sure they are keeping cool, especially if they live alone."

There are several basic steps people can take to ensure their safety during the hot weather. Among them are:

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible.
• If you do go outside stay in the shade.
• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place. 
• Wear sunscreen outside, along with loose-fitting, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible
• Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty.  Limit alcoho and sugary drinks that speed dehydration.
• Never leave children or pets alone in the car.
• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Be a good neighbor, check on elderly and people with disabilities in your community who may need assistance keeping cool.

PSE&G offers these energy conservation and cost saving tips for the summer:

• Turn off everything you’re not using: lights, TVs, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently. 
• Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home.  With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.
• Delay heat-producing tasks such as washing and drying laundry or dishes until later in the day, and wait until load is full.
• Refrain from using nonessential appliances. Unplug or use only when necessary an extra refrigerator in your garage.  Also, customers should consider setting their air conditioners to 78 degrees, health permitting.