Baltimore County Opens Freezing Weather Shelter

From Baltimore County: The Baltimore County Freezing Weather Shelter will open Dec. 14 to Dec. 15 from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. It is located at the North Point Government Center at Merritt Boulevard and Wise Avenue.

If you are looking for access to water and bathrooms in a warm environment, then Baltimore County has several “warming centers” available where you can get relief from the cold.

During the months of November through March, Baltimore County Public Library has 19 convenient branches that are also open Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can warm up while reading a book or enjoying scheduled events at a branch in their community. For more information on a library branch nearest you or the locations that are open Friday through Sunday, call 410-887-6100.

Baltimore County Senior Centers are also open to the general public, regardless of age, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents who visit these locations to get relief from the cold can watch TV, read a book or sit and relax. For information on the 20 Senior Centers, call 410-887-2594.

Other "Warming" Places

There are other places you can go to warm up in Baltimore County:

• Community center
• Churches
• Malls
• Movie theaters
• Museums
• Neighbor's home with heat
• Restaurants
• Overnight Shelters

Baltimore County has four facilities that provide emergency shelter for people who would otherwise be homeless. These shelters are:

• Eastside Family Shelter (families with children)—Rosedale
• Hannah More Shelter (women and children)—Reisterstown
• Night of Peace Overnight Shelter (families with children)—Randallstown
• Westside Men's Shelter (men only)—Catonsville
• Freezing Weather Shelter

From the months of November through March, the County also has a temporary, freezing weather shelter (PDF) at the North Point Government Center, which is activated on nights when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower and there are no available beds in the other homeless shelters.

People who are seeking access to the shelters listed above must be referred to those facilities by a qualified placement agency. Call 410-853-3000, Option 2 if you are seeking shelter for yourself or to aid another person.

Cold Weather Reminders

The combination of low temperatures and wind chill constitute a threat, especially to certain groups of people: older adults, children, and people with respiratory or other health problems. If you are in danger or experiencing severe health problems due to the weather, please call 911. Below are some tips to help you and your family get relief from the cold and stay safe.

Be Cautious and Prepared!

• Make sure that you have a 72-hour kit.
• Check on those who are elderly and/or chronically ill.
• Keep infants in a warm room since they lose heat easily.
• Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice about exercising or working in the cold.
• If you are hiking, camping, or skiing during cold weather, avoid becoming overtired. Be extremely careful when walking in icy areas. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered paths.

Eat Right

• Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer.
• Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages—they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Drink warm, beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature. If you have any dietary restrictions, consult with your doctor.

Dress Warmly and Stay Dry—Adults and Children should wear:

• A hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
• Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
• Water-resistant coat and boots
• Several layers of loose-fitting clothing if you are going to be outside

Don’t Leave Your Pets Outdoors

• During extreme weather, bring your pets indoors and provide them with adequate food and water.
• Remember to have an emergency plan for your pet too. Most shelters do not allow pets.
• Prevent the Spread of Colds & Flu

Get a flu shot.

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm, soapy water. And thoroughly scrub hands, wrists, fingernails, and between fingers.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick with colds or flu.
• If you get sick, stay home to avoid spreading it to others.
• Avoid crowded places wherever possible.

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