Cooling Centers Open Across Anne Arundel County July 17-21

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Due to expected hot temperatures and excessive humidity forecast for Friday into next week, Anne Arundel County officials will open cooling centers across the county. Temperatures may reach the high 90s with humidity that could cause heat index values in excess of 107 degrees, officials noted.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. Friday at county police district station community rooms and remain open until 10 p.m. Tuesday:

● Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Laurel
● Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
● Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
● Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

All cooling 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 cooling centers but accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. People must following social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings when at the cooling centers.

The county office of emergency management encourages residents to exercise caution during extremely hot temperatures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to do the following:

● Drink more fluids, regardless of 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 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. 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 and control at 410-222-8900 during normal business hours.