How To Beat The Heat In Anne Arundel County: Patch

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As the oppressive heat and humidity smothers Anne Arundel County, residents are urged to use caution when outdoors and if they don't have air, to seek relief at one of the many cooling centers open through Sunday, July 21, while the temperatures and humidity continue to threaten people's health.

But if people are looking for a break from the heat and would rather have a bit more fun while escaping the temperatures, pop by one of the local libraries and read a book, enjoy children's story time or check out one of their many community workshops or classes.

If you don't have a pool or other fun water feature, but want to dip your toes in some refreshingly cool water, plan an outing to one of Anne Arundel's beaches or pools. Just don't forget the sunscreen and be sure to stay hydrated.

• Sandy Point State Park
• Mayo Beach
• Anne Arundel Olympic Swim Center
• North Arundel Aquatic Center

Area Libraries

• Annapolis Library: Monarch Academy, 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 222-1750
• Broadneck Community Library: 1275 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis, MD 21409 (410) 222-1905
• Brooklyn Park Community Library: 1 East 11th Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225 (410) 222-6260
• Crofton Community Library: 1681 Riedel Road, Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 222-7915
• Deale Community Library: 5940 Deale-Churchton Road, Deale, MD 20751 (410) 222-1925, (410) 867-4164
• Discoveries: The Library at the Mall: 2260 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 222-0133
• Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library: 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 222-1770
• Edgewater Community Library: 25 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, MD 21037 (410) 222-1538
• Glen Burnie Regional Library: 1010 Eastway, Glen Burnie, MD 21060 (410) 222-6270
• Linthicum Community Library: 400 Shipley Road, Linthicum, MD 21090 (410) 222-6265
• Maryland City at Russett Community Library: 3501 Russett Common, Laurel, MD 20724 (410) 222-1070
• Mountain Road Community Library: 4730 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD 21122 (410) 222-6699
• Odenton Regional Library: 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton 21113 (410) 222-6277
• Riviera Beach Community Library: 1130 Duvall Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 (410) 222-6285
• Severn Community Library: 2624 Annapolis Road, Severn, MD 21144 (410) 222-6280
• Severna Park Community Library: 45 West McKinsey Road, Severna Park, MD 21146 (410) 222-6290

To help the kids burn off energy while avoiding being outdoors in the harmful heat, one of these places just might do the trick:

• Totsville Indoor Playground, 7497 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie (410) 553-4256
• The Wiggle Room, 2225 Defense Hwy, Crofton (443) 584-5905
• My Gym, 302 Harry S Truman Pkwy, Annapolis (410) 573-9899
• Autobahn Indoor Speedway, 8251 Preston Ct, Jessup (410) 567-0227
• Be With Me: The Children’s Playseum, Annapolis Town Center (240) 507-8965

Or if you'd rather catch the latest Spiderman movie this week while waiting for the heatwave to pass, pop by one of the air-conditioned movie theaters in the county and enjoy some popcorn, too.

• Bow Tie Cinemas - Ultimate Annapolis Mall 11, 1020 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis (410) 224-1145
• Bow Tie Cinemas - Harbour 9, 2474 Solomons Island Rd., Annapolis (410) 224-1145
• Regal Cinemas - Waugh Chapel 12 & IMAX, 1419 S. Main Chapel Wa, Gambrills (844-462-7342)
• Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover (443) 755-8990
• Hoyts West Nursery Cinemas, 1591 W. Nursery Rd., Linthicum (410) 850-8999
• Horizon Cinemas - Sun Valley, 7959 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd., Glen Burnie (410) 766-6100

Nothing beats the heat quite like ice cream in the summertime. Patch researched some of the best hot spots for cooling ice cream that you can visit while the heat hampers outdoor plans:

Annapolis Ice Cream Company (Annapolis) — Winner of multiple awards, including 'Best of Annapolis', Annapolis Ice Cream Company is known for their famous fresh, made-in-shop ice cream. Flavors include: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Brownie Batter, Pistachio and Apple Pie.

Storm Brothers Ice Cream Factory (Annapolis) — Since 1976, Storm Bros. has been a downtown Annapolis staple for ice cream, sundaes and shakes. With over 40 flavors to choose from, you can't go wrong. (Moose Tracks, anyone?)

The Daily Scoop (Pasadena) — Patch readers all had one thing they agreed on: Their service is just as good as their ice cream. The Daily Scoop serves up friendly service and fresh ice cream that is made right in the store. Ice cream cakes are also available for special occasions... or just because!

Kilwins (Annapolis) — The original recipe ice cream is available in dozens of flavors from traditional vanilla to the creative New Orleans Praline Pecan. Try pairing a scoop with one of their handmade fudge or caramel toppings.

Ann's Dari Creme (Glen Burnie) — Craving creamy, old-fashioned ice cream? Ann's Dari Creme is a casual spot for hot dogs and subs, but most importantly, soft-serve ice cream. Hint: Try a chocolate-dipped cone.

Bruster's Real Ice Cream (multiple locations) — With locations across Maryland, Bruster's is less of a tourist spot as it is a common ice cream pit stop. The large scoops are more than plenty to keep our Patch readers satisfied.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has numerous safety tips for people to abide by during this current heat wave and for the rest of the summer.

• Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has prescribed you water pills, ask them how much you should drink while temperatures are above average.
• Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these can cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks if possible, 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 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a more efficient way to cool off.
• 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.

• Stay in air conditioning when possible.
• Watch for hot pavement. If the sidewalk is too hot for your hand within 10 seconds, it's too hot for your pet's feet.
• Learn the signs of heat stroke and know what to do.