By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Monday, numerous individuals were treated for heat-related illnesses outside Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey, while waiting for high school graduations. Several people required hospitalization due to dehydration, and multiple afternoon graduation ceremonies were cut short because of the extreme heat. Despite an extreme heat advisory, the city held ceremonies at the stadium on one of the hottest days of the year, as temperatures soared into the 90s, with a heat index reaching 100 to 110 degrees. An air quality alert was also issued for the area.
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Extreme heat causes people to faint at a New Jersey graduation ceremony, officials say, a situation that sadly, isn’t entirely unexpected. It sounds like the heat index was soaring, hitting a blistering 110 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas of North Jersey. Given those conditions, it’s no surprise that people were affected, and quite significantly. I’m thinking of the people who are now dealing with the aftermath.
According to reports, the situation escalated to the point where a state of emergency was declared, which is a pretty serious step. Libraries are stepping in as cooling centers, a clear indication of the severity of the situation. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges presented by extreme weather. From what I gather, there were many, many cases. One report that I read indicated at least 16 people were hospitalized and a shocking 160 people received treatment for heat-related illnesses.
Being from the area, and knowing the limited resources many in my hometown of Paterson have access to, makes it even more upsetting. The fact that this graduation ceremony was held *outside*, during the first heatwave of the year, in the morning, is, well, I’m going to say it, deplorable. It really makes you wonder about the planning and consideration that went into the event, especially given the rising temperatures we’re experiencing annually.
The responses and reactions I’ve been going through while forming an understanding of this situation have also been interesting. I’ve seen comments saying, “Texas: ( First Time Meme)”. Others made a point about their experience in the hot weather, “As a kid, I regularly rode my bike in 110-120 degree heat, hours at a time. LMAO at people passing out from a ‘mid-90s’ heat wave. That is a cool summer day….what is wrong with these people?” And yes, that is one perspective. “Extreme heat” is relative, I suppose. But let’s be honest, we’re not all built the same way. And it’s not really about “toughing it out” for many people, but rather a matter of health and safety. Especially for those who might not be accustomed to these temperatures or have underlying health conditions.
For those of us not used to these conditions, it’s a real challenge. One person mentioned having to go grocery shopping and the simple act of getting into their car felt brutal. So, you can imagine what it must feel like being out in the sun for an extended period in robes and gowns. Add to that the pressure of bleacher seats, and surroundings absorbing heat. One person even mentioned their own graduation experience in a minor league stadium, where temperatures reached over 90 degrees with high humidity. They emphasized how uncomfortable and how quickly people seemed to succumb to the heat. That’s where my thoughts go… it does sound miserable.
The discussion also turned to practical measures. Providing proper shelter or moving the ceremony indoors is something that I think makes a lot of sense. Some people are pointing out that indoor venues aren’t always available, that’s a factor, too. And let’s not forget the role of parents. They may be a major factor as well, as one person mentioned. The admin may not want to go through a confrontation with a parent.
In addition to the practical considerations, there’s also the issue of people’s preparation and habits. One person mentioned the importance of hydration, including both water *and* electrolytes, which is critical, especially when sweating heavily. And they’re right; staying hydrated is crucial, but so many people don’t do it. The fact that some people may be obese and have trouble regulating their body temperature further complicates things. It seems to be that the whole situation is a combination of factors, not just a single issue.
I think many people are right in saying that this may be more of a societal problem than just a climate one. It comes down to people not prioritizing health and safety. This is something we should be taking seriously.
One important question to ask is, when do they usually hold graduations? It seems like the timing might be part of the problem. Perhaps starting the school year earlier and graduating in late May or early June, as they do in the South, could be a solution. This would mean avoiding the peak of the summer heat.