Dangerous Heat Opens Annapolis Cooling Center

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Heat and humidity are expected to combine Tuesday to make it fill like 100 degrees or more on Tuesday, Aug. 22, so Annapolis city official will open the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center, 273 Hilltop Lane, as a cooling center from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the 90s, with the heat index reaching 102 degrees. The heat combined with high levels of humidity is creating a concern that residents may suffer from heat-related illnesses, according to a news release.

Anyone who visits the recreation center during those hours to cool off will not have access to recreation activities.

Anyone who needs to go to the cooling center, but does not have transportation can call the Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.

The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under some conditions sweating just isn’t enough. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Symptoms of heat-related illness:

• Heat cramps are muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion are paleness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, fainting, and increased temperature.
• Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness. These people have warm, flushed skin and do not sweat. This is considered a critical medical emergency. These patients must have their temperature reduced quickly and taken directly to the hospital.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, elderly people (65 years and older), infants, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress and air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death.

Health officials shared these hot-weather safety reminders:

• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to an air-conditioned public place or a county cooling center. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
Symptoms of heat-related illness:

• Heat cramps are muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion are paleness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, fainting and increased temperature.
• Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness. These people have warm, flushed skin and do not sweat. This is considered a critical medical emergency. These patients must have their temperature reduced quickly and taken directly to the hospital.

Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.

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