​Extreme heat poses a significant threat to our health. Heatwaves can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat rash, sunburns, and skin cancer. More than 20,000 people living in New Hampshire are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, infants and children, low-income individuals, athletes, outdoor workers, individuals those with existing medical conditions, pregnant women, and/or those living in urban-area homes without sufficient tree cover are the most affected by extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also worsen existing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Make a plan, make smart decision and Beat the Heat. 

Medical Conditions Directly Attributable to Excessive Heat Exposure 

Medical Condition
HEAT STROKE
Symptoms
  • High body temperature (103°F or higher)
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Losing consciousness (passing out) 
What to Do?
  • Call 911 right away - heat stroke is a medical emergency
  • Move the person to a cooler place
  • Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
  • Do not give the person anything to drink
HEAT EXHAUSTION
  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fainting (passing out)
  • Move to a cool place
  • Loosen your clothes
  • Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
  • Sip water Get medical help right away if:           • You are throwing up                                       • Your symptoms get worse                             • Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
HEAT CRAMPS
  • Heavy sweating during intense exercise
  • Muscle pain or spasms
  • Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
  • Drink water or a sports drink
  • Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity

Get medical help right away if:
  • Cramps last longer than 1 hour
  • You’re on a low-sodium diet
  • You have heart problems
SUNBURN
  • Painful, red, and warm skin
  • Blisters on the skin
  • Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals
  • Put cool cloths on sunburned areas or take a cool bath
  • Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas
  • Do not break blisters
HEAT RASH
Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin (usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases)
  • Stay in a cool, dry place
  • Keep the rash dry
  • Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash
Source: CDC, Heat Related Illnesses, 2021

Summer Safety Tip Flyers & Posters

Send requests for digital handout files to '[email protected]' .
Sizes
8.5 × 11 in
16 x 20 in
​Sizes
8.5 × 11 in
16 x 20 in
​Sizes
8.5 × 11 in
16 x 20 in

Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

STAY COOL

Keep Your Body Temperature Cool To Avoid Heat-Related Illness
  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
  • Find an air-conditioned shelter.
  • Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Do not use the stove or oven to cook.
  • Check on those most at-risk twice a day.

 STAY HYDRATED

Because Your Body Loses Fluids Through Sweat, You Can Become Dehydrated During Times of Extreme Heat
  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.

STAY INFORMED

Stay Updated On Local Weather Forecasts So You Can Plan Activities Safely When It’s Hot Outside
  • ​Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
  • Learn the symptoms of heat illness.
Source: NH DHHS

Campaign Social Media Content & Graphics

​HOW TO STAY SAFE

WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS
Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.

Try to keep your home cool:
  • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
  • Weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
  • Add insulation to keep the heat out.
  • Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
  • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat. 

If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor what would be best. 

Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. You could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.

Avoid high-energy activities.

Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.
Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illness. 

Heat Cramps
  • Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
  • Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
Heat Stroke
  • Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.
  • Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.
Source: FEMA V-1004/June 2018 - Be Prepared for Extreme Heat

CDC Resources for Health Professionals

Cooling Centers in New Hampshire

This List of Cooling Centers is CURRENT as of 6/20/24.     The List Is Updated Daily.    Listed Cooling Centers Are Valid Through 6/21/24.  
​ Please Call Each Site Directly With Any Questions. 
A - D
ALTON
​Alton Senior Center
603-875-7102
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
​Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Pearson Road Community Center
603-875-3752
Open As-Needed - contact Alton Police Dept for updated information
ANTRIM
​James A. Tuttle Library
603-588-6786
Wednesday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
​Thursday: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
ASHLAND
​Ashland American Legion
603-968-3976
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Ashland Fire Department
603-968-7772
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ATKINSON
​Atkinson Community Center/ Recreation Center
603-362-5531
Thursday and Friday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
​AUBURN
Auburn Safety Complex
603-483-8141
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
BEDFORD
​The Town of Bedford's Library
3 Meetinghouse Road
603-472-2300
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
BELMONT
​Belmont Senior Center
603-267-9867
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
BERLIN
​Berlin Senior Center
603-752-2545
Thursday and Friday
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
BRADFORD
​Bradford Mountain View
603-938-2104
Thursday and Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
BRISTOL
Bristol Town Office - Meeting Room A
603-744-3354
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
CANAAN
​Canaan Mascoma Area Senior Center
603-523-4333
Thursday and Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Canaan EOC - Public Safety Building
603-523-4850
​8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
CHARLESTOWN
​Charlestown Senior Center
603-826-5827
Thursday and Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
CHESTERFIELD
Chesterfield Town Offices
603-363-4624
Wednesday and Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
CHICHESTER
Chichester Safety Center
603-344-2959
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
CLAREMONT
​Claremont Savings Bank Community Center
603-542-9511
Daytime Only
CONCORD
Concord Coalition to End Homelessness
603-290-3375
Thursday: 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM

Concord Public Library
603-661-4189
Thursday & Friday:  9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

White Park Splash Pad
603-661-4189
​3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
CONWAY
Conway Public/Pope Memorial Library
603-447-5552
Thursday & Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

North Conway Community Center
603-356-2961
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
DERRY
Derry Public Library
603-365-8590
Daytime Only

Taylor Library
603-365-8590
Daytime Only

Marion Garrish Community Center
603-365-8590
Daytime Only
DOVER
​Dover Community Center
603-516-6400
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Community Action Partnership - Strafford County
577 Central Ave #10
603-435-2500
Daytime Only

​SOS Community Recovery Organization
​4 Broadway
603-841-2350
Daytime Only
DURHAM
Durham Public Library
603-868-6699
Daytime Only
E - L​
EFFINGHAM
Effingham Public Library
603-539-1537
Monday - Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Effingham Town Office
603-539-7770
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
​ENFIELD
Department of Public Works (DPW)
603-632-5026
Daytime Only

Enfield Police Department
603-632-7500
Daytime Only
FRANKLIN
​Twin Rivers Integrated Program
603-934-5130
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Bessie Rowell Community Center
603-934-5828
Daytime Only
GOFFSTOWN
​Cooling Center 
603-497-8990
Monday - Friday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
HANOVER
​Richard Black Rec Center
603-643-5315
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
HENNIKER
​White Birch Senior Center
603-428-7860
Monday - Friday
6:30 AM - 5:30 PM
HOPKINTON
​Slusser Senior Center
603-746-8266
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
HUDSON
Hudson Police Department Community Room
603-886-6011
Wednesday & Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
JAFFREY
​Jaffrey Public Library
603-532-7301
Thursday: until 7pm
KEENE
​Keene Senior Center
603-352-6893
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Keene Public Library
603-352-0157
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
KENSINGTON
Kensington Public Library
603-772-5022
Monday - Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
LACONIA
​Laconia Public Library
603-524-4775
​Daytime Only

​Laconia Senior Center (Seniors only)
603-524-7689
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Weirs Community Center
603-366-1234
​Daytime Only
 LEBANON
Upper Valley Senior Center
Lebanon, NH 03766
603-448-4213
Thursday and Friday
​8:00AM - 5:00PM

Lebanon Library
9 East Park Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
Phone: 603-448-2459
Thursday 10:00AM - 8:00PM
  Friday & Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Lebanon Veterans Memorial Pool
603-448-2058
​Daytime Only

​Kilton Library - West Lebanon
603-298-8544
Thursday 10:00AM - 8:00PM
​Friday & Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM
LEE
​Lee Public Safety Complex
603-659-5866
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
LITTLETON
​Littleton Area Senior Center
603-444-6050
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LONDONDERRY
​Londonderry Cooling Center
603-432-1104
Contact Londonderry Fire Department
for Most Current Information
M - R
MANCHESTER
​Manchester Central Library
603-624-6550
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Engagement Shelter
39 Beech Street
603-533-7588
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
MILFORD
​Milford Wadleigh Library
603-249-0645
Daytime Only
NASHUA
​Nashua Senior Activity Center
603-889-6155
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter
603-889-7700
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Nashua YMCA
603-882-2011
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Pheasant Lane Mall
603-888-0005
​10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
NEW BOSTON
Whipple Free Library
603-487-3391
Closed on Tuesdays
NEW HAMPTON
New Hampton Public Safety Building
603-744-2735
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
NEWBURY
Newbury Town Office
603-763-4940
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
NEWMARKET
Newmarket Senior Center
603-659-3151
Tuesday - Friday : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Newmarket Town Hall
603-659-3073
Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
​
Newmarket Public Library
603-659-5311
Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
NEWPORT
Richards Free Library
603-863-1416
Daytime Only
PELHAM
Hobbs Community Center
603-635-2721
Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Pelham Library
603-635-7581
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
PETERBOROUGH
Peterborough Town Library
603-924-8040
Daytime Only
PLYMOUTH
​Pease Public Library
603-536-2616
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
PORTSMOUTH
Portsmouth Senior Center
603-610-4433
Daytime Only

Operation Blessing
603-431-9045
Overnight Only

Portsmouth Community Campus
603-610-7200
Daytime Only

Portsmouth Public Library
603-427-1540
Daytime Only
RINDGE
Rindge Recreation Department
603-899-5861
Daytime Only
ROCHESTER
Rochester City Hall & Rochester Public Library
603-332-1011
Daytime Only

Infinity Peer Support
55 Summer St
603-948-1036
Daytime Only

SOS Community Recovery Organization
14 Signal Street
603-841-2350
Daytime Only

SALEM
Ingram Senior Center
603-890-2190
Daytime Only
WEST LEBANON
​Kilton Library - West Lebanon
603-298-8544
Thursday 10:00AM - 8:00PM
​Friday & Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM
WILTON
Wilton Gregg Free Library
603-654-2581
Wednesday - Thursday 11:00AM - 4:00PM
​Friday: 1:30 PM - 4:00PM
WINDHAM
Nesmith Library
603-432-7154
Wednesday - Thursday: 9:00AM - 8:00PM
​Friday:  9:00AM - 5:00PM

Windham Fire Department
603-434-4907
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WOLFEBORO
Wolfeboro Public Library
603-581-8190
Daytime Only