MANCHESTER, NH – Hey, you: It’s Labor Day – and it’s a hot one. Give yourself a break.
No seriously! The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for our area due to a hot and humid air mass which has moved into the region Monday afternoon. This will result in dangerous heat index values across the southeast portions of New Hampshire and southwest Maine. The Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m.
A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.
You should:
Drink plenty of fluids
Stay in an air-conditioned room
Stay out of the sun and
check up on relatives and neighbors, especially older adults who live alone, to make sure they are able to stay cool.
People who work or exercise outside or in hot environments, and children attending summer camps or outdoor sports practices should take extra precautions. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – see chart at the top of this post from the CDC.
Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
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 9 1 1.