Excessive Heat Prompts Cooling Centers To Open In County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Anne Arundel County has opened several county facilities as cooling centers for residents from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 16, and Saturday, July 17, as the region swelters under high temperatures and humidity.

The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the high 90s to high 100s with oppressive humidity, creating heat index values in excess of 103 degrees and the possibility for heat advisories.

The following facilities will be available to provide temporary cooling relief:

• 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

Visit https://www.aacounty.org/cool for locations and hours. Anyone who needs sheltering, special accommodations, or for public inquiries, contact the Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522. TTY users, call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.

All facilities are accessible, have air conditioning, 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 of these County facilities. Accommodations will be made for service animals.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If asked by facility staff, COVID-19 guidance must be adhered to including social distancing and wearing face coverings.

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

Ways to cope with the heat include:

• 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.

The county executive has issued a severe weather animal alert. For more information visit Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control’s website at https://www.aacounty.org/departments/animal-control/index.html.