The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Mercer County and the surrounding area. An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures is expected, with hot temperatures and high humidity combining to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

The Hopewell Township Municipal Building will be open as a cooling center on Wednesday, June 30 and Thursday, July 1, from 8:30am- 4:30pm for residents who need to get out of the heat. Other sites are the County libraries and Senior Centers. 

To gain access to the building, call 609-737-0605.

To cope during extreme heat, drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty, and spend as much time as possible in an air-conditioned environment. Be sure to check on elderly relatives and neighbors.

Hot weather can impact everyone, regardless of age or condition, but some people are more at risk than others. People most at risk include those over age 65, individuals with medical conditions, those taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat, people with disabilities, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, babies and young children, those who are overweight or obese, individuals who work or exercise outdoors, and even those residents who may have recently arrived from cooler climates. Never leave children, pets or anyone with limited mobility alone in hot vehicles. Even with the windows rolled down, only minutes in a hot car can be deadly.