ADVISORIES

Air Quality Advisory and Safety Information

The Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services is actively monitoring air quality conditions in coordination with the City's Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and other state and local partners.

Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage all City employees to take the following precautions to protect your health while air quality remains poor:

  • Limit time spent outdoors whenever possible.

  • If your job requires you to be outside, wear a well-fitting KN95 or N95 mask to help reduce exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke.

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever feasible.

  • Keep windows and doors closed in your work area and vehicle, when practical.

  • If you have asthma, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or another respiratory condition, closely monitor your symptoms and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.

  • Employees who experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest discomfort, or dizziness should notify their supervisor immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

Employees who work outdoors or spend extended periods outside should speak with their supervisor regarding operational adjustments that may be appropriate while these conditions persist.

The Department of Health & Human Services will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated guidance as conditions change. Additional recommendations may be issued based on air quality forecasts and guidance from state and federal health agencies.



Heat Safety Tips and Resources 

Extreme heat can greatly impact the most vulnerable in our community. We encourage people to check on their elderly, sick, and young neighbors, as well as pets and those who lack air conditioning. Please do not leave children or pets in cars, even for a short time. 

Residents are advised to drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activity. For anyone who has to be outside for long periods, we encourage you to drink water regularly, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, wear a hat and light-colored clothing, and take regular breaks in the shade or in air conditioning. 

Know the signs of heat stroke:
• High body temperature
• Hot, red skin
• Severe headache
• Dizziness or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone shows these symptoms.


Cooling Centers

Cooling centers are available at Jersey City Public Library locations and City-operated Senior Centers. If the City Health Officer declares a Heat Emergency, operating hours may be extended or otherwise adjusted.

Marion Branch – 1017 West Side Avenue 

  • Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 
  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM  



West Bergen Branch – 546 West Side Avenue 

  • Thursday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM 

Lafayette Branch – 307 Pacific Avenue 

  • Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 
  •  Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM  



Glen D. Cunningham Branch – 275 Martin Luther King Drive 

  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM  



Heights Branch – 14 Zabriskie Street 

  • Thursday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM 
  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM  


Miller Branch – 489 Bergen Avenue 

  • Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM 


Pavonia Branch – 326 8th Street 

  • Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM 


Communipaw Branch – 295 Johnston Avenue 

  • Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM 

More resources: