Harford County Designates Cooling Centers At Libraries During Scorching Temperatures

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Public library branches across Harford County will serve as cooling centers Thursday through Saturday as the heat index has been forecast to reach 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department, have designated cooling centers at library branches from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the following locations:

• Aberdeen – 21 Franklin St.
• Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road
• Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave.
• Darlington – 3535 Conowingo Road
• Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road
• Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road
• Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Ave.
• Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road
• Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive
• Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall
• Whiteford – 2407 Whiteford Road

The Aberdeen and Abingdon branches will have extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. In addition to respite from the heat, the cooling centers can be used to charge electronic devices in the event of a power outage, including oxygen concentrators used by oxygen-dependent citizens.

MD Weather: Severe Thunderstorms Forecast Plus Record Heat

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.

The warning signs of heat-related illness include the following:

• light-headedness,
• headaches,
• muscle cramps,
• mild nausea,
• confusion,
• fatigue,
• profuse sweating, and
• rapid breathing.

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