City Offers Residents Relief from Heat

With 90-degree heat forecast for the next several days, the City of Portsmouth has taken steps to offer locals some relief.

Portsmouth Senior Activity Center at 125 Cottage Street is extending the hours so anyone (not just seniors) can take a break in its air-conditioned activity rooms. Open daily 9 am to 6 pm, Mon-Wed Jun 28-30.

Peirce Island Outdoor Pool hours 11 am to 6 pm. There are no capacity or length-of-stay restrictions. Portsmouth residents will continue to be admitted Free. Non-resident guests are welcome at the previous fee of Adults (18 and over) $4; Child (under 18) $2.

Cooling assistance is available to those 60+ and anyone whose health is adversely affected by the heat. Often, those in need of air conditioning “do without” because they do not have the funds or know where to seek assistance. Through Project CoolAir, Area HomeCare makes air conditioners available to low income, medically-challenged and 60+ residents in Rockingham County. Make arrangements now rather than waiting for a critical need to develop. For more information, contact Ellen Tully at City Hall: 610-7267 or WFDept@cityofportsmouth.com

The City Health Department offers the following tips for avoiding heat stress:

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car and make sure pets have enough water and shade.