Bedford Opens Cooling Shelter

The Bedford Police department has announced it is combatting the current heat wave by opening a cooling shelter in town.

The Bedford Public Library, located at 3 Meetinghouse Road, will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday this week and and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Earlier Monday, the New Hampshire Department of Health Health
and  Human Services (DHHS) released the following advisory regarding precautions in the extreme heat and cooling shelters:
With the forecast for the week predicted to be 90 degrees and
above for many regions of the State, the New Hampshire Department of Health
and  Human Services (DHHS) is reminding people to take precautions to avoid
heat-related  illnesses,  such  as  heat  cramps,  heat  stroke,  and  heat
exhaustion.  In an effort to help people seek relief from the heat, cooling
centers  have  been  opened  around  the  State.  To find out if there is a
cooling  center near you, call 211.  People are reminded they can also seek
relief  in  air  conditioned  places  such  as a mall, grocery store, movie
theater or library.

“Heat-related  illnesses  can  come  on  quickly,”  said  NH  Public Health
Director  Dr.  Jose  Montero,  “and we may not even recognize the symptoms.
There are some simple common-sense precautions to take to keep yourself and
your  family  safe  during  extended  periods  of heat.  This is especially
important  for  children  and seniors who are more at risk for heat-related
illnesses.  Whenever possible stay inside air-conditioning, drink plenty of
fluids  –  water  is  best, avoid caffeine and alcohol and large amounts of
sugar,  wear light clothing and limit outdoor activities during the hottest
part of the day.

When  the  body is unable to cool itself sufficiently by sweating, the body
temperature  rises  and  people  begin  to  experience  symptoms indicating
distress.  Cool,  moist,  pale,  or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache;
nausea  or  vomiting;  dizziness;  and/or  fatigue  are  symptoms  of  heat
exhaustion,  which  generally  occurs  when people exercise or work in hot,
humid  conditions  and  body  fluids  are lost. If the person does not take
action,  with  cool beverages, seeking air conditioning, rest, and removing
heavy clothing, heat stroke can result.

The  symptoms  of  heat  stroke  include red skin that is hot to the touch;
changes  in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.
The  temperature may rise dramatically and the patient’s skin may feel dry.
If  someone  is  experiencing  heat  stroke, they should be moved to a cool
place and be cooled down with water if possible, and emergency medical help
should be called immediately because heat stroke can be life threatening.

DHHS is working with regional and State partners to reach out to vulnerable
populations,  or people who may not realize they are at risk during extreme
heat.   DHHS  will  provide  additional  updates as new information becomes
available until the extreme heat ends. For more information on heat-related
illnesses,  visit  the  DHHS  website at www.dhhs.nh.gov or 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. For concerns about your health or someone
else’s  during excessive heat, contact your healthcare provider or call 911
for emergency assistance.