NH Urged to Take Precautions During Hot Weather; Check on Vulnerable Folks

CONCORD – Ahead of the extreme heat expected in the state over the next several days, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is advising residents to take precautions to stay cool and avoid heat-related illness.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Tuesday and an excessive heat watch on Wednesday and Thursday for much of New Hampshire.

“With expected real-feel temperatures of up to 105 degrees, it’s important that we all take steps to keep cool and safe in the coming days,” said Iain Watt, Director of the DHHS Division of Public Health Services. “Check on your friends, loved ones, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to heat.”

Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, like heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which occur when the body is unable to cool itself down fast enough. While heat-related illnesses can impact anyone, older adults, young children, and people with chronic diseases are at highest risk. Symptoms of heat-related illness may include confusion, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and heavy sweating.

Fortunately, heat-related illness is preventable. Granite Staters can take the following precautions to ensure they, along with their loved ones and pets, stay cool this week and throughout the summer:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. Remember to provide plenty of fresh water for pets, too.

Don’t leave young children or pets alone in unattended vehicles. With little to no air circulation, cars can heat up quickly, even if the windows are open.

Stay indoors or out of the sun as much as possible. If you don’t have a cool place to go, call 211 for a listing of air-conditioned cooling centers in your area. 

Check on your neighbors. Older adults and people with chronic diseases may be at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.

Know the signs of heat-related illness. Take steps to cool anyone exhibiting symptoms down and call medical help when necessary.

Be safe around water. If you’re cooling down in a pool or other body of water, avoid swimming alone or leaving children unattended. Even shallow water and pools are a risk for drowning.

For more information on preventing heat-related illness, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Nashua Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions During Extreme Heat

Nashua, NH – With excessive heat and humidity in New Hampshire and the Greater Nashua Public Health Region expected to last from Tuesday June 18 through Friday June 21, state and local public health and emergency management officials are urging Greater Nashua residents to take the necessary precautions in an effort to avoid heat-related illness and injury. 

Heat stroke is an emergency and medical help should be requested by calling 9-1-1. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location and drink water while waiting for help. Nashua Public Health and Emergency Management Officials are encouraging the Greater Nashua community to practice the following precautions to stay safe and prevent heat-related illness.

• Drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
• Monitor those at high risk. Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who overexert during work or exercise
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
• Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Schedule frequent breaks in shared or air conditioned environments.
• Limit use of appliances, such as your dryer, dishwasher, and oven to avoid unwanted heat indoors. 
• When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

 The following locations will be open as cooling centers during this event:

The following City Pools will be open from 1-5pm and 6-8pm during this event:

• Centennial Pool
• Crown Hill Pool
• Rotary Pool and Wading Pool
• Greeley Park and Wading Pool
• Splash Pad on National St. *will be closed through June 18 then will open for normal hours on June 19

For more information, visit nashuanh.gov/647/Seasonal-Safety or call 603-589-4500.