The Jersey City Independent "

This 90-plus degree weather can make some people grouchy, but not everyone.

We saw these kids cooling off at a fire hydrant, outfitted with a sprinkler cap, at Ege Avenue near Mallory Avenue, enjoying the best of what the season has to offer.

On the other hand, Jersey City Medical Center spokesman Mark Rabson says volume is up at the hospital thanks to the heat, with several coming in with respiratory problems, which he said is normal for the first day of a heat wave. Fewer patients, he says, have complained of heat exhaustion. None of the cases have been serious so far, he says.

Fire Director Armando Roman no serious heat-related incidents have been reported today, apart from a power outage extending from the Jersey City Heights into Union City.

Rabson urged citizens to check on seniors and disabled persons and not leave children or pets unattended in cars. He said doctors encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids, avoid rigorous activity, and take cool showers. Any necessary rigorous activity, he said, should be reserved for after-dark.

The sprinkler caps on neighborhood fire hydrants seen at work above are just one of the ways citizens can find relief from today and tomorrow’s hot weather. See a list of cooling centers — including libraries, senior centers and community centers — or a list of the city’s pools and park sprinklers. If you’re just looking for a cold treat, check out some of the sweet summer treats highlighted in the summer issues of NEW

Photos by Summer Dawn Hortillosa