Community partners offer summer safety kits to prevent heat-related illness

LACONIA — Local service organizations are teaming up to offer help to those experiencing housing insecurity to prevent heat-related illness this summer.

The Partnership for Public Health and Navigating Recovery, in conjunction with Laconia’s Housing Task Force, are offering summer safety kits, which include items such as bug repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, cooling towels and electrolytes in order to offer protection to individuals who spend much of their time exposed to the elements outdoors.

“We’re handing out the items that are listed,” Navigating Recovery Executive Director Daisy Pierce said Friday afternoon. “Summer protection, cooling towels, sunscreen, bug wipes. PPH has after-bite and bug spray.”

Several heat waves hit the Lakes Region this summer, at times pushing the daytime temperature to the upper 90s. Two hot weather shelters are available to anyone who needs a respite from the heat: one at the Gale Memorial Library on Church Street downtown and another at the Weirs Community Center on Lucerne Avenue in the Weirs.

The hot weather shelters, known as cooling centers, will open at the discretion of Laconia Fire Department personnel. Those interested in checking if the cooling centers are open on any given day should contact the fire department at 603-524-6881. 

“Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, and it is crucial to be aware of the dangers and take preventive measures to stay cool and safe,” read a release about the program.

Summer safety kits are available at the Navigating Recovery office downtown at 102 Court St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Outreach workers will also deliver kits to those in need throughout the city.

“We are committed to providing resources to help our community stay safe during the summer months,” Pierce said in the release. “These supplies can make a significant difference in preventing heat-related illnesses.”

Heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone, the release noted. Vulnerable populations including the elderly, young children, and those without access to adequate shelter are at particular risk to suffer heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, confusion or unconsciousness. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

“Our goal is to ensure everyone, especially our most vulnerable populations, has access to the tools they need to stay cool and safe,” Tammy Carmichael, executive director of PPH, said in the release. “We are proud to partner with Navigating Recovery in this initiative.”

To avoid experiencing heat-related illness, drinking water and avoiding caffeine or alcohol will prevent dehydration. Dressing in lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing will likewise help an individual stay cool. During times of excessive or extreme heat, avoiding strenuous activities and seeking shade are recommended.

While rain has brought cooler temperatures to the Lakes Region over the weekend, highs are expected to be in the 80s by this weekend. 

“To help the population beat the heat, Laconia has two designated cooling centers — the Weirs Community Center and the Laconia Public Library — where all community members can find relief from the heat during the day,” the release reads. “These indoor spaces offer a safe, air-conditioned environment for residents to escape the heat and stay hydrated."

For more information about the outreach program, including how to get involved, visit pphnh.org.