Cooling Center Available at Senior Center

As the mercury makes it way to 95-plus degrees this afternoon, the state Department of Health and Human Services announced the city has opened a cooling center at the .

The cooling center will be open to anyone from the general public who needs relief from the heat from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, people can call 480-0070. Cooling centers have also been established at the Peirce Island Outdoor Pool, which will remain open until from 9:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Friday and until 7:15 p.m. this evening and the , which will remain open until 9 p.m. tonight and Friday night.

The state agency's Emergency Services Unit has been working with cities and towns statewide to open cooling centers where people can access air-conditioned spaces and escape the brutal heat and humidity that is forecast to last through Saturday.

According to DHHS officials, there are approximately 50 centers that are open at this time, located all over New Hampshire. The state agency advises people to call 211 to find out where a cooling center is located in their community.

"Due to the predicted high heat and humidity, DHHS is recommending 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," reads a DHHS press release issued this morning.

"Simple precautions include remaining in an air-conditioned environment whenever possible, which is the number one protective measure, drinking plenty of fluids, but avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar, wearing light clothing, and limiting outdoor activity."