Extreme heat prompts warnings as temperatures climb across the region

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Residents took advantage of a warm afternoon outdoors, but many are preparing for more dangerous conditions as temperatures are expected to climb significantly in the coming days.

At Cooper River Park, people stayed active despite the heat, filling water bottles and seeking relief where they could.

Some residents said they are already adjusting plans to stay safe.

"Bought a bunch of Liquid IVs so I'm gonna make sure I stay hydrated and make sure I stay inside," said Jaeda Solis of Pemberton, N.J.

Others are planning to limit outdoor activity as conditions worsen.

"Mostly I'm going to be staying inside, but I do have a pool membership," said Rita DeStefano of Blackwood, New Jersey.

Health officials warn that the combination of heat and humidity could pose serious risks. Emergency room physicians say they are preparing for an uptick in heat-related illnesses, particularly among outdoor workers.

"The thing about heat is some people don't realize they're so far gone until it's too late," said Dr. Adrienne Rigueur, an attending physician at Virtua Health's ER in Voorhees.

Rigueur said early symptoms of heat-related illness are often ignored, which can lead to more severe complications.

"It could just be muscle cramps. Feeling a little run down, and that can progress to dizziness, nausea, headaches. So you want to stay on top of it," she said.

She emphasized the importance of hydration and recognizing when to seek medical help.

"Excessive sweating, confusion. If you see your elderly family members not acting quite like themselves, those are times when you need to call immediately and have someone come. Don't take them in your car. It's okay to call 911," Rigueur said.

Local officials are also taking steps to help residents stay cool. As part of a pilot program this year, Camden County will open cooling centers, including new 24-hour locations available when overnight temperatures exceed 95 degrees.

Three of them will be in Camden and one will be in Barrington

"Very much like our code blue, where we recognize the importance of having 24-hour availability for refuge from the cold, we now have that for the heat as well," said Caryelle Vilaubi, director of the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services.

Additional relief efforts are set to begin later this week.

On Thursday, the city of Camden plans to open public pools and distribute fans and air conditioners to eligible senior citizens.

As temperatures continue to rise, officials urge residents to plan ahead, stay hydrated and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.