The recent heatwave that has brought high heat indexes for most of the tri-state area sent several people to the hospital this week following outdoor high school graduations in New Jersey.
On Monday, June 23rd, a graduation ceremony took place in Paterson, 20 miles outside of New York City. While the temperatures were in the mid to high 90s, the humidity made the real-feel 107 degrees, with graduates and supporting family and attendees sitting on chairs and bleachers with little to no cover during the heatwave.
Many attendees exhibited signs of heat stroke, with officials reporting that dozens were treated at the scene, with the most severe cases being transported to the hospital.
Later in the day, a second graduation ceremony left over 100 attendees needing treatment, with an additional seven being transported to the hospital. Paterson Public Schools Superintendent Laurie Newell expressed regrets that many attendees at the graduation ceremonies fell ill. The school district had anticipated the heatwave weather conditions, having cooling stations, cold water, and ice readily available. They also had on-site EMTs to aid with treatment.
Paterson Mayor André Sayegh declared a state of emergency cancelling all recreational activities and encouraging residents to stay inside. In the City Hall Facebook post, he also listed resources and libraries that would offer water and could be used as cooling centers during the recent heatwave.
With over 150 million people being impacted by the high heat indexes – from Maine to Texas – city governments have been doing their best to ensure the safety of their citizens. People are encouraged to stay inside and stay hydrated until the scorching temperatures from the heatwave drop off later this week into the weekend.
