Wind Chill Advisory Prompts County to Open Warming Centers

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — With the weather forecast predicting frigid overnight temperatures, Anne Arundel County will open four warming centers at 5 p.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for tonight with a low temperature of 20 degrees and winds of up to 23 miles per hour creating wind chills as low as 3 degrees.

The warming centers will be open until 7 a.m. Saturday, officials said.

The Anne Arundel County Police will make the Community Rooms at these precincts for warming relief:

• Northern District, 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
• Eastern District, 204 Pasadena Road, 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 911.

Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management encourage residents to use caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to deal with it.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) is usually accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for the stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. 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 affected area. Contact your local emergency services if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, the elderly and people with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health has these tips to help residents cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing; it gives more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most problems with hypothermia occur because of an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat. As much as 50 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 the house. The Fire Department offers these tips to remain safe at home during cold temperatures:

• 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 elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.