West Windsor fire chief gives summer safety briefing: ‘Do not drive into the water,’ ‘stay near lifeguards’

At the July 14 West Windsor Township Council meeting, Fire and Emergency Management Services Chief Timothy Lynch presented summer safety guidance for residents, emphasizing flood, rip current, heat, fireworks, lightning and pool dangers. Lynch opened by explaining National Weather Service terminology: “A watch of any type … means that the conditions are right that the situation may occur,” while “A warning means that that is actually happening.” He urged residents to pay attention to watches and to take immediate protective action when warnings are issued. Lynch stressed the danger of floodwaters and the common misconception that shallow-looking water is safe. Citing a NOAA infographic, he said six inches of moving water can move a car and that deeper, fast-moving water can carry SUVs and trucks. “When you drive into the water … it might not be now,” Lynch said, cautioning drivers to “turn around, find another way” and not risk driving through floodwater. On rip currents at the Jersey Shore, Lynch said the safest option for most people is to swim where there is a lifeguard: “If you don't swim where there's a lifeguard, you're on your own and nobody's coming to help you.” He advised that swimmers caught in a rip current should “swim parallel to the shore” to escape the current. Lynch explained heat illnesses and the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, noting that a hallmark of heat stroke is when sweating stops and skin becomes hot and waxy; such cases require immediate medical attention. He recommended calling 911 whenever there's any doubt. Lynch said aerial fireworks are illegal in New Jersey and warned that sparklers can cause severe burns because the metal can reach temperatures over 1,800 degrees. He advised attending professional shows when possible and following a safety contingency (hose and bucket) when using allowable ground displays. On lightning and downed power lines, Lynch advised drivers to remain in a vehicle when a power line falls onto it: “Stay in your car. Do not get out of the car.” He added that residents should call dispatch and that utility crews (JCP&L, PSE&G) typically respond quickly. Lynch closed by urging pool safety: check the water first if a child is missing, get children swim lessons early, use flotation devices for non-swimmers and learn CPR. Council members asked about posting course information and local CPR offerings; Lynch said the township will post course resources and is working to re-staff local CPR instructors. The chief encouraged all residents to sign up for Nixle emergency alerts; he said Nixle provides weather warnings, road-closure updates and notices about cooling/heating centers as needed.