Warming Centers Open Across Anne Arundel County Dec. 19-20

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel County will open warming centers overnight from 9 p.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday in response to extremely cold forecast temperatures. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures and wind chill values in the low 20s. The following locations will be available to provide warming relief:

Anne Arundel County Police will designate district station community rooms at the following precincts as warming centers overnight from 9 p.m. on Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday:

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

All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. COVID-19 guidance must be adhered to including social distancing and wearing face coverings.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to exercise caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness, or a weak pulse. Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles. Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or a tingling or burning feeling in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.