NH DHHS Reminds People to Stay Hydrated and Seek Air Conditioning for Relief from Heat

Concord, NH – With the high temperatures expected in the State over the

next several days, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human

Services (DHHS) reminds people to take precautions to avoid heat-related

illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion, most

importantly staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The New Hampshire

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Emergency Services Unit

(ESU) has also been working with communities across the State to compile a

list of cooling centers that are air conditioned.



These are places where people can go to escape the extremely hot weather.

There are approximately 20 centers that are open at this time, located all

over New Hampshire. The list of community organizations will be updated as

the conditions change. To find a center in your community please call 211.

People can always go to shopping centers, stores, movie theaters, or

libraries to cool off also.



Due to the predicted high heat and humidity, DHHS is recommending that

people take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as, heat

stroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. This is of particular concern

for those who are working or exercising outside, seniors, children and

people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and asthma.

Simple precautions include remaining in an air-conditioned environment

whenever possible, which is the number one protective measure, drinking

plenty of fluids especially water, but avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and

large amounts of sugar, wearing light clothing, and limiting outdoor

activity. For concerns about your health or someone else’s during excessive

heat, contact your healthcare provider or call 911 for emergency

assistance.



For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov . For questions about

animal health and heat, call the Department of Agriculture at 603-271-2404

or visit www.agriculture.nh.gov . For questions related to air quality and

the heat, contact the Department of Environmental Services at 603-271-1370

or visit www.airquality.nh.gov