NEWPORT, N.H. — With temperatures dipping into the low single digits at night and the early mornings this week, and not getting much higher during the daytime, two warming shelters have been opened in the town of Newport during regular business hours.
According to Fire Chief Steve Yanuzzi, the Richards Free Library and the Newport Senior Center are open during the day. While these spots are a good place to warm up, Yanuzzi had tips for the public on what to do, and not to do, to stay warm at home.
“I know people are trying to stay warm, but please don’t take any unnecessary precautions and risks. A lot of people are using ovens and stoves, and things like that, so be aware of the hazards there.”
Portable heaters are commonly used for heat, and Yanuzzi said it is important for people to be safe with these, as well. He recommends following the instructions that come with the heaters, keep them away from flammable materials, and make sure that when they are plugged in that the circuit can support the electricity required. Yanuzzi also said to be sure that the heater is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which means that it has been tested for safety requirements.
Wood stoves are also a main source of heat for some residents. Yanuzzi said people should have already had their chimneys serviced and cleaned at this point, but if not, to do so before using. Yanuzzi stressed the importance of making sure the ashes are disposed of properly.
“When you take them out and put them in a bucket on your porch, just be aware that those ashes can still be hot,” he said. “We have some snow coverage out there, so you can dump them into a snowbank and make sure it is out. Don’t dump them into plastic or a paper bag. Just because it looks like it is out, those ashes stay hot for quite a while.”
The National Weather Service in Gray, Maine reported temperatures as low as below seven degrees last night, and today it is expected to be a high of 15 degrees and low of three degrees. Thursday and Friday are expected to be warmer during the day, with highs of 24 degrees, but hit the low single digits at night.
The Richards Free Library is located at 58 North Main Street and is open today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The library is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Newport Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
While this does not take care of the frigid nights, the Trinity Church at 120 Broad Street in Claremont is serving as a “warm welcome shelter” seven days a week from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.