Gov. Ayotte, state officials urge extreme caution, preparedness for frigid weekend

The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, has said with wind chills, temperatures in some parts of the state may stay in double digits below zero through Saturday into Sunday morning. (Courtesy image)

CONCORD - State agencies and officials urge residents and visitors to prepare for potentially life-threatening cold temperatures forecast for New Hampshire over the weekend.

The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, has said with wind chills, temperatures in some parts of the state may stay in double digits below zero through Saturday into Sunday morning.

"As extreme cold weather moves into our state this weekend, I want to remind Granite Staters to take extra care if traveling, keep pets inside, and layer up if you go outside," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "Thank you to our first responders working around the clock to keep everyone safe and our community partners who are assisting our most vulnerable citizens in need of shelter."

Hypothermia can occur in about 10 minutes at -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chills as low as -40 Fahrenheit can cause frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.

"Ahead of extremely cold temperatures this weekend, make sure your family has an emergency plan in place," said Robert Buxton, Director of the Department of Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "Stay indoors as much as possible and remember to check on relatives, neighbors, the elderly, and pets. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia."

New Hampshire Fish and Game would like to remind those who do choose to spend time outdoors to do so responsibly.

"Extreme winter conditions will exist in the mountains this weekend," said Major David Walsh. "The deep snow, extreme cold and wind will be brutal and unforgiving. Please consider your limitations and experience and know when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there for another day."

Local communities are encouraged to share temporary shelter and warming locations with state officials through WebEOC. Individuals and families in need of temporary shelter can contact 211 or the non-emergency line to their local fire department to locate the closest site that is open and available to them. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services lists locations of temporary cold weather shelters and permanent year-round shelters on its website.

"During times of extreme cold, communities across New Hampshire step up to provide cold weather solutions to help keep their residents safe," said DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver. "Our community partners will be prepared for the cold weather coming this weekend by establishing cold weather shelters to support their communities and ensure people can access the resources they need to keep themselves and their families safe."

People should also take extra caution when using additional heating sources.

"Nearly half of home heating fires occur during the winter months." said State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey. "When using space heaters as supplemental heat source, make sure they are plugged directly into wall outlets and have 3 feet of space around them."

Officials provide these additional extreme cold safety reminders:

• Stay informed and monitor local weather reports. Sign up for NH Alerts at ReadyNH.gov.
• Stay indoors and limit travel as much as possible. If travel is necessary, prepare a winter emergency kit with warm clothes, boots, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, food and water.
• Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing when outdoors, including hat, scarf and gloves. If clothing becomes wet, remove it immediately.
• Protect people at high-risk by providing warm clothes and blankets, and return indoors when shivering.
• Bring animals indoors.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like a furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Never use an oven as a heat source.

Learn more about extreme cold safety at ReadyNH.gov.