City warming centers remain open

posted on: 12/18/2019; updated: 12/22/2019

City of Dover warming centers will remain open as temperatures rise this week, possibly climbing to the high 40s on Monday, Dec. 23. According the National Weather Service, today's high is expected to reach 40 degrees, dipping to a low of 26 degrees tonight. Monday's high temperature is expected to reach 49 degrees. The low temperature Monday evening will be around 26 degrees.

The City of Dover's public facilities continue to serve as warming centers, including the McConnell Center, the Public Library and City Hall. These public buildings are accessible to all seeking relief from the cold during regular business hours. Warming centers in Dover are also available and accessible anytime at the City's Police Station, located downtown on Chestnut Street, and the City's three fire stations. The Liberty North End Fire Station is located at 262 Sixth St. The Central Fire Station is located at 9-11 Broadway. The South End Fire Station is located at 25 Durham Road.

The temporary warming center at St. George's Maronite Church will not open this evening. The church's assembly hall had opened as an overnight warming center Friday night and Saturday night.

When extreme cold weather is forecast, additional emergency, overflow warming centers will be activated, including the Strafford County's Extreme Cold Weather Shelter, located at 276 County Farm Road in Dover.

Organizations interested in opening and operating a temporary emergency shelter in Dover are asked to contact and coordinate with the City of Dover's Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief Paul Haas. In accordance with the City's Emergency Operations Plan, Chief Haas will ensure that fire and life safety guidelines of the New Hampshire Fire Marshal are met wherever and whenever a temporary emergency shelter is established and activated in Dover.

As a reminder, the City's Public Welfare Department is available to coordinate services for those who need and want emergency assistance, including shelter, food and medical care. The Public Welfare Department offices at the McConnell Center are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be reached by phone at 603-516-6500. For after-hours emergency needs, the public welfare program also remains accessible simply by calling 603-742-4646 or visiting the police or fire stations to request assistance. Police and fire personnel are trained emergency responders and will notify and coordinate with the City's public welfare providers, day or night, getting assistance to those who truly want help. This assistance can include finding available shelter space, day or night, along with transportation, if needed.

For more information, contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 603-516-6148. For emergencies, dial 911.