Water Use Restricted as Temperature Nears 100

Update, 5 p.m.

PSE&G is reporting approximately 6,700 customers without power due to the heat wave, concentrated primarily in Elizabeth, Ridgewood and Delran, in Burlington County. Know of anyone without power in Wyckoff? Let us know at nick@patch.com.

Ridgewood Water has imposed water restrictions on customers as the region deals with a heat wave that could impose record-high temperatures today.

Ridgewood Manager Kenneth Gabbert, in consultation with Ridgewood Water Director Frank Moritz, has declared a Stage IV restriction, which prohibits any type of irrigation. Customers in Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Midland Park and Glen Rock are prohibited from using sprinklers or even a hand-held hose until further notice.

The village manager said the restrictions are necessary to preserve water supplies in the event of a public health or fire emergency. Updates can be found on the Ridgewood Water website at http://water.ridgewoodnj.net/ or the village website at www.ridgewoodnj.net.

The National Weather Service estimates temperatures close to 100 degrees this afternoon, although expected humidity will likely produce a heat index of up to 105 degrees. Similar weather is expected for Wednesday, although Thursday should see slightly more mild temperatures. A cold front from the northwest is predicted for this weekend, perhaps driving temperatures back down to more manageable levels. The National Weather Service says heat-related illnesses are possible due to extreme heat combined with stifling humidity.

Wyckoff has no specific plans to establish cooling centers in the township, with the administration saying it would act on a directive of the Office of Emergency Management, should one be issued. Police Chief Benjamin Fox said the department doesn't have a specific procedure in place right now but is monitoring conditions.

"The general expectation is that everyone has some level of comfort in their homes," he said, explaining that the department doesn't generally get the same sorts of calls of distress a more urban community with a density of apartment units may receive.

However, the township would likely act to provide temporary shelter in the event of a prolonged power outage, Fox said. The township similarly opened up the library to residents this winter when much of the township was dealing with power outages due to snow.

Wyckoff Public Library Director Judy Schmitt said she can't gauge whether the facility has seen an increase in patronage today due to the heat, as circulation traditionally booms in the summer months.

"Our patronage spikes (in the summer) whether it's hot or not," Schmitt said.

She said the library has been extremely busy today, although the patronage could be attributed to the library being closed for the holiday weekend.

"I think some people probably come in to cool off," she said, although circulation has been "phenomenal" over the past week or so.

The American Red Cross in Ridgewood offered several tips to stay safe during the heat wave. Residents should avoid working outside, consuming beverages with alcohol or caffeine, and never leave children or pets in enclosed vehicles.

Additionally, people should:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.

PSE&G expects to be able to handle today's electricity demands, although the utility estimates usage will reach its highest levels of the summer today. Usage is estimated to be 10,500 megawatts today, just off an all-time high of 11,108 megawatts on Aug. 2, 2006.

To report a power outage, call PSE&G's customer service line at 800-436-PSEG. Also, customers can keep up with any power updates at PSE&G's Twitter feed, at http://twitter.com/psegoutageinfo.

While the utility doesn't believe there will be outages, it issued several conservation tips: 

•  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.

Rockland Electric also has issued a heat alert advisory, saying power demands could push the utility near it's all-time high, also set on Aug. 2, 2006. The heat advisory defers non-emergency utility work to another day, potentially freeing up crews if they are needed to respond to outages or other emergencies. Rockland Electric customers experiencing any problems with service should call 877-434-4100.

Fox said that anyone who may know of a potentially vulnerable citizen, such as a senior without air conditioning, can call the police to conduct a welfare check at 201-891-2121.

Sam Fran Scavuzzo contributed to this report.