45 Places to Stay Cool in Baltimore County

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A heat advisory is in effect for Baltimore County from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11. Also under the advisory: Anne Arundel, Charles, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties; Baltimore City; parts of Virginia; and Washington, D.C.

During a heat advisory, high temperatures and high humidity create an environment where heat-related illnesses are possible.

It will feel like 105 degrees on the heat index, with actual temperatures in the mid 90s, according to the National Weather Service.

At Baltimore County libraries and senior centers—which are designated as "cooling centers"—citizens can relax with access to water, bathrooms and air conditioning.

County officials provided the following list of places to stay cool:

• 19 Baltimore County Public Library branches: From May through September, Baltimore County Public Library has 19 branches that are open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. as cooling centers. Visit the library website or call 410-887-6100 for locations and weekend hours.
• 19 Baltimore County Senior Centers: Age doesn't matter—all are welcome at the 19 Baltimore County Senior Centers, which are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 410-887-2594 for info.
• Malls
• Community centers
• Churches
• Neighbors' homes with air conditioning
• Movie theaters
• Restaurants
• Museums

People without air conditioning or those working outside are at risk for heat-related illness.

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, can be fatal if not treated immediately. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails, leading to overheating without a way to cool down.

Symptoms include confusion; slurred speech; seizures; hot, dry skin or extreme sweating; altered mental status; very high body temperature; and loss of consciousness/coma. If someone exhibits signs of heat-related illness, move the person to a cool, shaded area and call 911.

How to Stay Safe in the Heat

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay inside when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, go to the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

Temperatures are not going down anytime soon. Through Sunday, a hot and humid airmass will make it feel like 105 on the heat index, weather officials say.

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