Cooling Centers Open With Forecast for Hot, Hot, Sticky-Hot Weather Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through Friday (June 29), although forecasters expect the hot weather to continue through Monday. The most vulnerable to health problems in the heat are children, the elderly, people with chronic conditions and of course those without air conditioning in the home. Please check in on neighbors who may fall under one of these categories a couple times a day.

Those impacted by hot temperatures can find relief by drinking plenty of cold water, taking cool-water baths, planning grocery shopping or trips to the mall for midday to take advantage of air conditioning and planning outdoor exercise and/or yard work for the mornings and evenings.

Never, ever—never—leave children (or pets) in a car in this kind of heat—even for a quick errand. Temperatures inside of a car can climb quickly to 150 degrees or even higher. Heat stroke sets in when a child’s temperature hits 104 degrees. In addition, lock unattended cars to prevent children from venturing inside to play while the car is parked. Here is a disturbing look at how hyperthermia deaths occur in the United States. There were 33 last year and so far this summer, 7, including a two-year-old in Virginia who ventured into a parked car while playing outside with siblings.

Anne Arundel County Executive John Leopold has ordered cooling centers to be opened on Friday. Weather forecasters, including Accuweather, have predicted temperatures rising to the high 90s through Monday. The cooling centers have been ordered to stay open until Monday.

If county residents need additional services or resources, please call the Emergency Operations Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 410-222-0600.

In South County, the cooling centers include the Southern District Police Station Community Meeting Room at 35 Stepneys Lane in Edgewater, which will open at 7 a.m. on Friday and remain open until 7 a.m. on Monday (24 hours a day through the weekend).

The Anne Arundel Department of Aging’s South County Senior Center, 27 Stepneys Lane in Edgewater, will be open as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

In addition, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department has tips to stay cool through the period of hot weather, including limiting exercise and moderating activity; drinking plenty of fluids; use hot weather as an opportunity to go to the movies, visit the library or go to the mall; wear sunscreen, wear a hat, and try for light, loose-fitted clothing.