Heat Wave In Anne Arundel Leads County To Open Cooling Centers

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A heat wave is coming to Anne Arundel County this week. The National Weather Service forecasted that daytime highs will hover around 90 degrees, and the heat index could pass 103 degrees.

County officials opened several cooling centers in response. These facilities will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Monday through Saturday:

• Anne Arundel County Police Department District Station Lobbies and/or Community Rooms
• Anne Arundel County Senior Activity Center Community Rooms
• Anne Arundel County Public Libraries

The full list of locations is posted here. These accessible sites have air conditioning, water and restrooms. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not allowed, but service animals are.

Medical care will not be available on the grounds. Anybody having an emergency should call 911.

Those who need accommodations can dial the Crisis Warmline at (410) 768-5522. TTY users can call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

If asked, patrons must comply with masking and distancing guidelines.

County Executive Steuart Pittman also issued a Severe Weather Animal Alert, ordering locals to keep their pets cool with shade, shelter and water. More information on the mandate is available at this link.

"The Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to exercise caution during extremely hot temperatures," Public Information Officer Kasey Thomas said in a press release. "Whether inside or outside, hot weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it."

Leaders also offered these tips:

● Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.

● Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these can cause you to lose more body fluid.

● 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 facility for cooling relief– even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

● Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

● NEVER leave any person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.

● Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
○ Infants and young children
○ Those aged 65 or older
○ Those who have a mental illness
○ Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

● At risk individuals seeking cooling with concerns for their pets should contact Animal Care & Control (410) 222-8900 during normal business hours.

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