Heat Emergency Alert Continues Into The Week: Montgomery Co. Officials

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A heat emergency alert that began at noon Sunday will carry over to Monday 8 p.m. The National Weather Service has forecast dangerous temperatures and heat index values, county officials noted.

A heat emergency alert is declared when the temperature or heat index is forecast to be 105 Fahrenheit or higher for two days or more. While nighttime temperatures will be lower, they still pose a health threat with extended exposure, officials pointed out.

“The heat index .. will be dangerous,” Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Acting Director Marianne Souders. “We encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones and their pets and to check-in on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.”

County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation centers and senior centers are places to cool off during normal operating hours.

At any time during the heat emergency, anyone seeking shelter may use any Ride On Bus to cool down during service hours. The buses are available for free through the month of July. More information is available on the bus schedule on the DOT website.

Pet owners cannot leave pets unattended in vehicles or outdoors, county officials reminded residents.

County officials recommended the following precautions to help residents stay safe and comfortable during excessive heat days:

• Stay indoors whenever possible. Keep blinds or curtains closed to keep the inside cooler.
• Keep in mind that electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off. Use the stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature.
• Avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 9 a.m.
• If you’re spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded location.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
• Never leave people or pets in a vehicle for ANY amount of time, even with the window open. The temperature inside parked cars can reach over 130 degrees in only a few minutes.
• Monitor and frequently check on those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:
  • Infants and children up to four years of age;
  • Individuals 65 years of age and older;
  • Individuals who are ill or on certain medications; and
  • Individuals who are overweight.

Heat exposure can be life threatening. Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing, and drink plenty of water:

• Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs;
• Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness; and
• Heat stroke: the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. Seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1.