Carroll County Opens Cooling Centers Amid Soaring Temps

Carroll County, MD — With temperatures in the 90s this Wednesday to Friday, officials are opening one dozen cooling centers around the county, including three in Westminster.

Those without air conditioning or who are vulnerable to high temperatures are encouraged to take advantage of these locations during business hours. Air conditioning and water fountains will be accessible.

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• Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday)
• Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster
• South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg
• Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy
• North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown

All branches of the Carroll County Public Library System will also be open as cooling centers during regular business hours (Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–8:45 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.):

• Westminster Branch, 50 East Main Street, Westminster
• Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg
• Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
• Mt. Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy
• North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown

Carroll County Emergency Management offers the following safety tips for handling heat and humidity.

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced or rescheduled for the coolest times of day.
• Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings or rooms, and limit time outside if possible.
• Check up on neighbors who may be more vulnerable to hot weather.
• Never leave a child, pet, or elderly person alone in a car, even for a minute. This can quickly cause heatstroke and even death. If you see a child, elderly person or pet alone in a car, call 911.

For more information, check out the Carroll County Health Department website.

See Also:

• Hottest Temps of 2016: Maryland Weather Forecast This Week
• Heat + Humidity Boosts Chances for Heat Stroke: Signs, Treatment

Pictured, Westminster Library. Photo Credit: Carroll County Public Library.