(Telegraph file photo) Kids cool off in Centennial Pool on a hot summer day in the early 1960s, when the pool, which was built during Nashua's Centennial year in 1953, was only a decade or so old. The same pool, with many upgrades over the years, will be attracting plenty of swimmers during the upcoming heat wave.

NASHUA – With the season’s first heat advisory taking effect at 11 this morning, Nashua Public Health and emergency management officials are reminding residents of the region — especially in Hillsborough and interior Rockingham counties — to take precautions to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of heat-related illness and injury.

Officials said the combination of excessive heat and humidity forecast for the region for what may become a lengthy hot spell warrants the issuance of the advisory.

Nicole Chute, health promotion and communications specialist for the city Division of Public Health & Community Services, urged residents, especially those who are more vulnerable to heat-related medical issues, to visit one of several cooling centers (locations below) that will be in operation beginning this morning through Thursday.

Those who are able are also urged to utilize city pools to keep cool. They will be open from 1-5 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m., and include:

* Centennial Pool on Sargents Avenue next to Holman Stadium

* Crown Hill Pool, next to Girls Inc., 27 Burke St.

* Rotary Pool and wading pool, Cleveland Street, between Fairgrounds elementary and middle schools

* Greeley Park wading pool, west side of Concord Street

* Splash Pad, National Street, next to Sandy Pond.

Cooling Centers and hours

* Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, 2 Quincy St., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

* Pheasant Lane Mall, 310 Daniel Webster Highway, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

* Nashua YMCA, 24 Stadium Drive, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

* Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

* Nashua Senior Activity Center, 70 Temple St., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.