Excessive Heat Warning Issued, Two Cooling Centers Open in Edgewater

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department spokesman Chief Michael Cox issued the following media release: 

The Anne Arundel County area, as well as, the rest of the State of Maryland, is experiencing severe summertime heat, humidity, and poor air quality.  These oppressive conditions are forecasted to remain in place for the next 24 to 48 hours.  These forecasts include heat indexes in excess of 100 degrees and have prompted an Excessive Heat Warnings to be issued.

In response to this warning, County Executive Leopold has opened cooling centers through 8 a.m., Thursday, July 19  including two in South County:

• South County Senior Center, 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater; open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; or
• Anne Arundel County Police Southern District Community Meeting Room at 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater; open 24 hours

All County citizens/residents are encouraged to do the following:

• Limit outside activities to early morning and late evening, when temperatures are the lowest.
• Limit exercise regiment, listen to your body and moderate your activity accordingly.
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Water is best, non-alcoholic beverages are good. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and are counterproductive.
• When possible, stay out of direct sunlight and wear sun-screen.  During the hottest times of the day, spend time in air conditioned spaces–such as: libraries, shopping malls and movie theaters.
• If air conditioning is not available, take cool baths or showers to help cool down during the hottest times of the day.
• Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing, dress for summer.
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car.  In a very short period of time, the temperature inside a vehicle can exceed 150 degrees.
• Children, the elderly and those people with chronic ailments are usually the first to feel the effects of episodes of high heat and humidity.  Use care in planning activities with these groups, regularly check on elderly neighbors.

County residents that have questions or require additional information regarding cool resources can contact the County’s Emergency Operations Center between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 410-222-0600.