January 5, 2018:
A Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 4:00 pm this afternoon to 11:00 am on Saturday for Cheshire, northern Carroll, Coos, Grafton, and Sullivan Counties.
Dangerously cold wind chills expected. The dangerously cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 10 minutes to exposed skin. Expect wind chills to range from 20 below zero to 40 below zero in Coos, northern Carroll and northern Grafton Counties and from 15 below zero to 35 below zero in Cheshire, southern Grafton and Sullivan Counties. If you must be outdoors, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one person knows your whereabouts.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frost bite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken.
Visit ReadyNH.gov for storm information and to learn how best to be prepared.
January 4, 2018:
The severe cold weather that the City has been experiencing is projected to continue through the weekend. The City does not currently have a specific warming shelter open however the City is prepared to open one if it becomes necessary. If residents would like to get out of their house/apartment the City of Keene Public Library is open today, Thursday, from 9 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
If residents are having issues with heating fuel deliveries or making contact with their fuel company the State of New Hampshire has opened a hotline and it can be reached at 211. If residents are experiencing an emergency please call 911.
The City would like to remind residents of a few things during this severe cold period.
- Please check on your senior neighbors and those that may have difficulties getting around. Keep track of your furry family members when they are out doors and ensure that they have adequate water and food,
- If you have pipes in an unheated basement or crawl space or in an un-insulated wall please run your water from time to time in those areas to keep the pipes from freezing up. If they do freeze please contact a license plumber for assistance.
- If you do use a space heater do not leave it operating when no one is home or asleep. Keep the area around the heater clear of materials to avoid catching items on fire.
- Do not use your oven, propane or other combustible fuel heater to try to heat enclosed spaces.
- Check all chimney and flumes for blockages before you light your fireplace or wood/pellet stoves.
- If you operate an electrical generator please place it outside in a well ventilated area.
- Check you smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working, and finally,
- If you are outside, dress in layers; cover your skin, face and nose.
The City of Keene Emergency management team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when appropriate. Please follow NotifyKeene twitter feed for these updates.
If you have any questions concerning this information please contact Kürt Blomquist, Public Works Director/Emergency Management Director at 603-352-6550.