**Dangerous Cold Expected in New Hampshire: How to Stay Safe & Where to Find Help**
*Updated January 2024. Originally published February 2023.*
Extreme cold is forecast for New Hampshire in the coming days. Please take precautions to stay safe and know where to turn for help if needed. Below you’ll find tips for staying warm, spotting signs of hypothermia, shelter directories, donation resources, home heating safety advice, and guidance for caring for your pets and animals.
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## How to Stay Safe & Spot Signs of Hypothermia
During previous periods of extreme cold, state officials have urged residents to stay indoors whenever possible and to prepare for potential power outages. Here are some essential tips:
– **Emergency Kit:** Keep a kit with at least three days’ worth of supplies, such as blankets, flashlights, and extra batteries.
– **Stay Inside:** Limit time outdoors. If you must go out, dress in layers and protect exposed skin.
– **Outdoor Safety:** If you cannot find shelter, refer to [this guide from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council](https://nhchc.org/) for tips on staying safe outdoors. They strongly recommend finding indoor shelter if possible.
– **Recognize Hypothermia:** For advice on how to avoid, spot, and treat hypothermia, see [CDC’s guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html).
– **More Tips:** Visit [ReadyNH.gov](https://ready.nh.gov) for additional advice on staying safe during extreme cold.
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## Practical Tips for Weathering a Deep Freeze in New Hampshire
– Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
– Keep phones charged in case of emergencies.
– Check on elderly neighbors or those with health concerns.
– Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
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## Where to Find Shelter
If you need a warm place to stay, several resources are available:
– **State Shelter Directory:** [Find shelter options here](#).
– **211 Helpline:** Call 211 or visit [211nh.org](https://www.211nh.org) for information and referrals.
– **Local Welfare Offices:** [Find your local office contact information here](#).
### Manchester Warming Centers:
– **1269 Café:** 456 Union Street
– **Waypoint Resource Center:** 298 Hanover Street (ages 12–24)
– **Beech Street Engagement Center:** 39 Beech Street
Find more details [here](#).
### Strafford County Warming Center:
– **Location:** 30 Willand Drive, as needed throughout winter.
– **Contact:** Check [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StraffordCountyWarmingCenter), call 603-742-2709, or text “willand” to 855-935-4402.
### Other Cold Weather Shelters & Services:
– **Lakes Region Mental Health Center:** 603-528-5126 (winter info) / 603-581-4807 (general)
– **Way Station (Carroll County):** 603-452-7113
– **Tri County Community Action Program (Coos & Grafton):** 1-888-NH-TCCAP
– **Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter:** 603-889-7770, ext. 1137
– **Merrimack County Navigator Program:** 603-796-6880
– **Belknap-Merrimack Community Action Program:** 603-225-6880
– **Concord Coalition to End Homelessness:** 603-219-0287 (shelter) / 603-290-3375 (resource)
– **The Friendly Kitchen, Concord:** 603-224-7678
– **Cross Roads House, Portsmouth:** 603-436-2218
– **Southwestern Community Services (Sullivan & Cheshire):** Keene: 603-352-7512 | Claremont: 603-542-9528 | Lore: 603-209-0251
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## Where to Donate Cold Weather Supplies
Want to help others stay safe and warm? Consider donating supplies:
– **Waypoint:** [Donate supplies for unhoused and at-risk youth here](#).
– **Upper Valley Haven:** [View their wish list here](#).
– **Hundred Nights Shelter, Keene:** [Needed items info here](#).
– **NH Mutual Aid Relief Fund:** Drop-off clothing, toiletries, and other supplies across the state.
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## How to Heat Your Home Safely
Heating equipment is a major fire risk in New Hampshire. You can reduce your danger with these steps:
– Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters.
– Turn off portable heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.
– Never use your oven to heat the house.
– Never run generators indoors.
– Check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
– **Prevent Frozen Pipes:**
– Wrap pipes with insulation and seal windows.
– Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
– If appropriate, keep a slow stream of water running to prevent freezing.
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## Don’t Forget About Pets and Other Animals
Pets are also at risk during extreme cold:
– **Indoor-Outdoor Pets:** Bring cats and dogs inside; don’t leave them out except for quick bathroom breaks.
– **Rabbits/Small Animals:** Bring all outdoor animals inside.
– **Backyard Chickens:** Keep them in coops with deep, dry bedding, protection from wind, and unfrozen water. Avoid bringing birds indoors.
– **Livestock:** Provide extra bedding, wind protection, water, and calorie-rich food.
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Stay safe during the cold snap and check on your neighbors, pets, and vulnerable community members. For immediate shelter needs or emergencies, call 211.
If you know someone who needs help, please share this resource!
https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2023-02-01/how-to-prepare-for-extreme-cold-in-nh-emergency-shelter-info-safety-tips-and-more
