CONCORD - With excessive heat and humidity in New Hampshire and the region expected to last through Friday, Governor John Lynch and state public health and emergency management officials today urged all people in New Hampshire to take the necessary precautions in an effort to avoid heat-related illness and injury.

"I am urging all people in New Hampshire to put their safety first and take seriously the warnings from public health officials. The excessive heat and humidity is expected to last for several days, so please check on your neighbors, particularly senior citizens," Governor Lynch said. "Heat related illnesses can have serious consequences so I ask that everyone take the necessary precautions over the next several days."

State public health and emergency management officials are asking people to take the following precautions as the heat and humidity persist through the week:

• Avoid strenuous activity
• Drink plenty of water
• If your home is not air conditioned, go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned shopping malls, libraries, theaters or other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day
• Check with your local community for information about possible local 'cooling centers'
• Check on neighbors, particularly senior citizens.

Governor Lynch, along with state public health and emergency management officials held a conference call this afternoon with local emergency management officials to discuss ongoing efforts to assist the public as the high heat and humidity continues.