The recent string of frigid weather has prompted Londonderry officials and residents to take precautions against the freezing temperature. Town Manager Kevin H. Smith released a statement onto the town’s website offering advice to locals who may need help during the current cold snap.
Smith said in the statement that both the fire and police departments would be “conducting regular welfare checks” around town, with a focus on the neighborhoods that have a concentration of senior residents. With temperatures barely exceeding single digits since before Christmas, officials are concerned that seniors and those who require assistance are at risk.
“The Town is also asking neighbors of seniors and vulnerable persons to check in on them during this time…” according to the statement. If you’re unable to check in with your neighbor yourself, you can call the non-emergency fire department line at (603) 432-1124 or the police at (603) 432-1118 and ask for them to look in on a senior a vulnerable family member or neighbor.
The biggest concern during extreme cold like this is having no heat. Regardless if you have an oil tank, electricity, run on propane or a good old-fashion wood stove, having no fuel at home can quickly become deadly.
If this happens, families can call the Community Health Services of Derry for emergency assistance at (603) 425-2545. Elizabeth Jones at the CHS said they have not gotten any calls from locals running out of oil yet, but they are available to help anytime.
“We’re town welfare,” she said. “We’re here all the time.”
Jones did stress that the CHS only offers emergency fuel assistance for those in dire need. Residents needing additional help should contact Rockingham Community Action at (603) 965-3029 to request information on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to elderly, handicapped and low-income residents who need help paying their heating bills.
Folks who need a reprieve from the cold can also visit one of the warming centers set up by the town. They are at the Leach Library, Senior Center and the Police Department, according to the statement by Smith. The statement says to call the non-emergency fire line to learn when the centers are open, but the fire department clarified that residents seeking shelter at a warming center should call the police department instead.
During this time of year, it’s common to pull out the old space heater or throw wood in the fire place create a warming area in the home. The fire department’s webpage has a link to safety tips for several types of home heating systems. It’s advised that anything flammable is kept at least three feet away from a heating source. Residents should have a working carbon monoxide detector set up in the home to warn you of any gas that could build up from using fuel-burning heating equipment inside. The fire department also recommends that chimneys and wood stoves are clean and inspected yearly by a certified specialist to prevent issues.
Another home concern during the winter is freezing pipes. The American Red Cross recommends keeping the heat in the home above 55 degrees to prevent water in the pipes from getting too cold.
“By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst,” according to the Red Cross’s website. You can also let the water trickle through the pipes to keep it moving enough to prevent them from icing over.
Smith reminds residents that if emergency situation happens, they should immediately call 911.