PASCACK VALLEY AREA, Bergen County, N.J.—As temperatures climb into dangerous territory this week, more than 3,000 PSE&G customers in New Jersey were without power Monday, June 23—including more than 1,000 in Bergen County—intensifying the urgency around heat safety and access to cooling centers.
According to PSE&G’s outage map, 993 customers in Elmwood Park were without electricity as of 2 p.m., with restoration expected by 11:30 p.m. No cause for the outages had been identified by early afternoon.
Elsewhere in the region, Union County saw 2,200-plus outages, most in Union Township (1,258), followed by Roselle Park (517) and Kenilworth (298), with estimated restorations between 11 p.m. Monday and midnight Tuesday. Jersey Central Power & Light reported 461 outages in Morris County, including 244 in Randolph and 102 in Washington Township.
Compounding concerns is a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued for northeast New Jersey, including Bergen County, warning of heat index values from 100 to 105 degrees through Tuesday. While not yet high enough to trigger a formal heat watch, officials warn conditions remain dangerous.
In response, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, the Board of Commissioners, and the Department of Human Services have activated five regional emergency cooling centers, open daily from Sunday, June 22 through Friday, June 27, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- County Administration Building
One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack | (201) 336-7300 - Bergenfield Senior Activity Center
293 Murray Hill Terrace, Bergenfield | (201) 387-7212 - Garfield Senior Activity Center
480 Midland Avenue, Garfield | (973) 478-0502 - Northwest Bergen Senior Activity Center
46-50 Center Street, Midland Park | (201) 445-5690 - Southwest Bergen Senior Activity Center
147 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford | (201) 935-8920
In addition, the Township of Washington’s Cooling Center will be open during extreme temperatures from noon to 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 350 Hudson Ave. Visitors are asked to sign in at the police desk before entering. The township website also offers tips for preventing heat-related illness.
Many municipalities are designating local libraries, recreation spaces, shopping centers, and senior centers as community cooling locations. Residents are urged to check local resources before traveling to county-run centers. Those needing a ride to a county facility may call 201-394-2882.
Heat safety guidance remains critical: Residents should stay indoors during peak sun hours (11 a.m.–3 p.m.), wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing, and remain hydrated. Pets are welcome at cooling centers if leashed or crated. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car—even briefly—and always lock unattended vehicles to prevent accidental entrapment.
More local cooling center locations are being confirmed; check back for updates as they become available.