posted on: 7/18/2019; updated: 7/19/2019

With the Excessive Heat Watch in effect this weekend, the City of Dover has opened cooling centers through Sunday. The cooling centers are located in the McConnell Center cafeteria and at the Public Library. The cooling centers will be open during regular hours at both facilities. The McConnell Center is open Friday, July 19, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Public Library is open Friday, July 19, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Library is closed on Sunday.

The McConnell Center cooling center can be accessed by using Door #3 and checking in at the Recreation Department front desk for directions.

For those unable to utilize the McConnell Center or Library cooling centers during regular hours, the air-conditioned lobby of the Police Station at 46 Chestnut St. and the City's three fire stations are also available for temporary relief from the heat. The Liberty North End Fire Station is located at 262 Sixth St. The Central Fire Station is located at 9-11 Broadway. The South End Fire Station is located at 25 Durham Road. The Police and Fire departments are also available to assist those who need transportation to one of the cooling centers.

For those who need emergency shelter, please contact the Dover Police Department at 742-4646, or visit the Dover Police Department or any of the City's three fire stations to request assistance. For emergencies, dial 911.

The Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool is also open this week. Public swimming hours are Monday through Friday, 12 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Significant heat and humidity is expected to arrive in Dover on Friday, July 19 and continue through Sunday, July 21. Temperatures during this period will reach the mid-90s and higher, with a heat index expected to reach 100 degrees or more, and up to 115 degrees on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Dover cooling centers open during hot, humid weather

posted on: 7/18/2019; updated: 7/19/2019

With the Excessive Heat Watch in effect this weekend, the City of Dover has opened cooling centers through Sunday. The cooling centers are located in the McConnell Center cafeteria and at the Public Library. The cooling centers will be open during regular hours at both facilities. The McConnell Center is open Friday, July 19, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Public Library is open Friday, July 19, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Library is closed on Sunday.

The McConnell Center cooling center can be accessed by using Door #3 and checking in at the Recreation Department front desk for directions.

For those unable to utilize the McConnell Center or Library cooling centers during regular hours, the air-conditioned lobby of the Police Station at 46 Chestnut St. and the City's three fire stations are also available for temporary relief from the heat. The Liberty North End Fire Station is located at 262 Sixth St. The Central Fire Station is located at 9-11 Broadway. The South End Fire Station is located at 25 Durham Road. The Police and Fire departments are also available to assist those who need transportation to one of the cooling centers.

For those who need emergency shelter, please contact the Dover Police Department at 742-4646, or visit the Dover Police Department or any of the City's three fire stations to request assistance. For emergencies, dial 911.

The Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool is also open this week. Public swimming hours are Monday through Friday, 12 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Significant heat and humidity is expected to arrive in Dover on Friday, July 19 and continue through Sunday, July 21. Temperatures during this period will reach the mid-90s and higher, with a heat index expected to reach 100 degrees or more, and up to 115 degrees on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

As the hot and humid weather continues, Fire Chief Paul Haas urges residents to check on elderly neighbors, stay indoors if possible during the hottest part of the day, wear light-colored clothing while outside, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. The combination of heat and high humidity can put people at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

People who work or exercise outside or in hot environments, and children attending summer camps or outdoor sports practices should take extra precautions.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency: call 911.

Care of pets is also important throughout this weather. Make sure pets have plenty of water to drink and are not left unattended in vehicles, where the temperature can reach 120 degrees quickly.

Eversource expects increased use of air conditioners and fans in the coming days. Though high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, Eversource said it is prepared to meet that increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that arise.

As the heat wave approaches, Eversource offers these hot weather tips to help customers stay comfortable and save energy and money:

  • Increase the temperature on air conditioners. Keep air conditioners set at a moderate temperature throughout the day as cranking the unit up after work uses more electricity. Programmable thermostats or temperature timers can also help keep costs manageable, especially when away from home.
  • Keep air conditioner filters and coils clean. Clean air conditioner filters and coils at least every three months. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.
  • Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs. For those with central air and floor vents, consider using vent deflectors to direct and increase the reach of cooled air.
  • Seal home cracks and gaps. Seal cracks or gaps in walls and outlets, and window and door frames, to keep cool air from escaping and letting hot air in.
  • Save major appliance use until the evening. Help conserve energy by using appliances like clothes washers and dryers early in the morning or late in the evening, when there is less demand on the electric system.

Here are some additional tips from Dover Fire and Rescue to help prevent heat-related illness:

  • Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and take regular breaks from physical activity.
  • Wear sunscreen and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
  • Never leave children, seniors, pets, or people with health conditions in a parked vehicle, even briefly. Temperatures can become dangerous within a few minutes.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially seniors and people with a chronic illness, to see if they need assistance.
  • Use air conditioning to cool down. People who do not have an air conditioner can go to an air-conditioned public building, such as a public library or shopping mall, for a few hours.
  • Drink plenty of fluids – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Water is best. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
  • Be aware that some medicines affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool. Do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
  • When the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently by sweating, heat exhaustion can result. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; fatigue. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, drink cool beverages, seek air conditioning, rest, and remove heavy clothing. If left untreated, heat stroke can result. Heat stroke is life threatening. Symptoms of heat stroke include red skin that is hot to the touch; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. The body temperature may rise dramatically and the skin may feel dry. Move someone experiencing heat stroke to a cool place and seek emergency medical assistance.

For more information, contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 603-516-6148.