Extreme Heat Plan Activated For Montgomery: Cooling Centers, Tips

ROCKVILLE, MD — Rising temperatures have prompted officials to activate an Extreme Heat Plan for Montgomery County. It will be in effect from 1 to 7 p.m., according to the county's Emergency Management and Homeland Security office.

High heat & humidity begin building today through the weekend. The County has activated the Extreme Heat Plan today 1pm-7pm for heat index values in the upper 90s. Residents needing relief from the heat may visit County facilities during business hours: https://t.co/76yOersH0Y https://t.co/0t4c5UjQf7
— MC Emergency Mgmt (@ReadyMontgomery) July 16, 2019

When An Extreme Heat Plan Is Activated

An Extreme Heat Plan is activated when heat indices are greater than 95 degrees and the risk for hypothermia is at its greatest. The extreme heat affects the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature, which can be dangerous if left untreated. Illnesses associated with extreme heat include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Officials say they are particularly concerned for children, seniors, homeless individuals, and animals.

Never Leave Kids, Seniors, Pets Unattended In Car

No one — especially children, seniors, and animals — should be left in a parked vehicle without supervision. The consequences can be deadly.

In the state of Maryland, it is against the law to leave a child under the age of 8 unattended in a car, unless a reliable caregiver (at least 13 years old) remains with the child.

SEE ALSO:

• Never Leave Kids In Hot Cars: Tips, Useful Information

Cooling Centers

Those looking to escape the extreme summer heat can swing by one of several cooling centers across the county.

"County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation and senior centers, as well as regional services centers, are good locations to find respite from the heat," officials said in a statement.

CHECK OUT:

• Cooling Centers Open In Rockville To Those Looking To Escape Heat

Tips

In addition to cooling centers, officials are offering residents tips for staying safe and cool in extreme heat:

• Stay indoors whenever possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, go somewhere that is — like a county facility.
  • Besides cooling centers, residents can visit shopping malls, movie theaters, and museums.
  • A hyperthermia plan for homeless shelters has been activated.
    • Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for homeless individuals.
• Try to avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun.
  • If you must be outside, do it during the coolest part of the day — which is usually before 9 a.m.
• Drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.
• Wear proper protection from the sun whenever outside.
  • Strongly recommended: light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen protection.
• Never leave kids, seniors, or pets unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time, even if the window is open.
  • Temperature inside a parked car can reach 130 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• Keep an eye on people who are at greatest risk of heat-related illness.
  • Infants and kids up to four years of age;
  • People 65 years of age and older;
  • People who are ill or on certain medications;
  • People who are overweight.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Recognizing signs of heat exposure can potentially save a life. Officials offer the following facts:

Heat Cramps

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting.
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

• Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness.
• Actions: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Click here for more information about heat-related illnesses, cooling centers, and laws.