Weather

July 17. 2012 11:44AM

Manchester issues heat warning, towns open cooling stations

MANCHESTER - Manchester Fire Department officials are advising people to use caution when outdoors Tuesday, especially with the heat index expected to reach 104 degrees due to high temperature and humidity.

A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday and authorities are urging people to drink plenty of water. Heat index values of up to 104 degrees are expected due to temperatures reaching the mid and upper 90s with dew points near 70.

The combination will result in dangerous conditions with the potential for heat stroke for those spending prolonged periods of time outdoors.

People should avoid prolonged work in the sun or in poorly ventilated areas. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioned environments and stay out of the sun. Check in on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions when working outside, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening and wear light weight and loose fitting clothing. To reduce risk during outdoor work, OSHA recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Call 911 in necessary, heat stroke is an emergency.

Dover opens cooling stations

Due to the weather, the city of Dover has opened a cooling center for residents seeking relief from the heat. The cooling center is located in McConnell Center cafeteria and will be open until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Community Senior Center's activity room will be available to residents seeking relief from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Residents should enter the McConnell Center using Door #7 on the St. Thomas Street side of the building. Additional cooling stations will open if needed.

Londonderry opens cooling station

With temperatures soaring into the high 90s today, Londonderry town officials have opened a public cooling station at town hall.

Shortly before noontime, Londonderry Battalion Chief James Roger issued a public heat advisory and urged residents to take caution while enjoying outdoor activities.

"The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible," Roger said. Senior citizens and people with respiratory illnesses are encouraged to stay indoors this week, he added.

The cooling station will be open at Londonderry Town Hall this week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. If necessary, town officials will offer additional space inside adjacent police station.

For more information, contact Roger at 432-1125.