Harford County Officials Open Cooling Centers To Help Residents Cope With Sweltering Heat

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — With the heat index forecast to reach 110 degrees the next few days, residents can seek relief from brutal temperatures at Harford County Public Library branches.

The library branches will serve as cooling centers July 15-17.

The following branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. :

• Aberdeen – 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen
• Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon
• Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Bel Air
• Darlington – 3535 Conowingo Road, Street
• Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood
• Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston
• Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Avenue, Havre de Grace
• Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville
• Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa
• Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall

The cooling centers also can be used to charge electronic devices in the event of a power outage, including oxygen concentrators used by oxygen-dependent residents.

During periods of extreme heat, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services encourages citizens to follow these safety guidelines:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit sun exposure.

• If you do not have air conditioning, open windows and use a fan.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity.

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle

• Check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable citizens.

• Keep pets hydrated with access to shelter.

More information is on the county website at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1980/Extreme-Heat.

Heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke.

Heat stroke is an advanced form of heat stress that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Individuals with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should seek immediate medical attention, county emergency officials noted.