Warming Centers Stay Open As Snow Moves In, Bring Pets Indoors

With gusty winds making Anne Arundel County shiver, officials will keep warming centers open overnight through Monday, Jan. 14, to offer residents in need a safe shelter from the extreme conditions. The National Weather Service has forecasted temperatures in the low 20s with gusty winds, which will hit 25 mph overnight, and reach 20 mph on Friday. Residents also face fines if animals are left unprotected in these temperatures.

Snow is expected to move into the county after 2 p.m. on Saturday, with a high near 35. The weather service predicts a 50 percent chance of snow Saturday, increasing to an 80 percent chance Saturday night, mainly after 8 p.m. On Sunday look for snowfall to continue, mainly after 2 p.m.; the chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Snow should wind down Sunday night by 8 p.m.

The following Anne Arundel County Police District Station Community Rooms will be available
and designated as warming centers from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday, January 10, and nightly through Sunday, January 13:

• Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
• Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
• Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
• Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to use caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles.

Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, older adults, and individuals with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers these tips to help cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Residents should also be aware of the risks cold weather poses when inside homes and buildings. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department says residents can remain safe in their homes during cold conditions if they:

• Store several days' worth of non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Keep several days' worth of medications.
• Keep fireplaces and wood-burning stoves clean.
• Never leave space heaters on and unattended.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly.
• Check on older adults, neighbors, and relatives with disabilities.

Authorities have issued a Severe Weather Animal Alert. In accordance with the law, when the county executive declares a severe weather animal emergency, dogs left outside unattended must be provided with:

• Fresh clean drinkable non-frozen water at all times
• Dog flaps/doors must be affixed to dog houses (and dogs must be trained/able to use the house with the flap)
• Dog house entrances must be oriented away from prevailing winds
• Dog houses must be elevated off the ground (at least 2 inches and above any accumulated precipitation)
• Dog houses must have abundant dry bedding available inside
• Dog houses must protect an animal against the weather. A dog house, shed, garage or other large area that has temperatures that reach below 33 degrees Fahrenheit inside is too large to allow a dog to maintain adequate body temperature to sustain life will be considered insufficient.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in civil citation with fines ranging from $125 to $1,000, removal of the animal, and/or criminal prosecution depending on the conditions found, such as abuse or neglect of an animal by leaving dogs outside and unattended by use of restraints.

If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, call Animal Control immediately at (410) 222-8900.

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