Dangerous Cold: Anne Arundel County to Open Warming Shelters

From Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management: Anne Arundel County will be opening warming centers starting on February 9, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. in response to anticipated extreme cold weather conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting wind chill temperatures as low as 3 degrees. Warming centers will be open 5:00 p.m. February 9, 2017 until 7:00 a.m. February 10, 2017.

The following locations will be available to provide warming relief:

Anne Arundel County Public Libraries will serve as warming centers from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on February 9, 2017:

• Annapolis Regional Library: 1410 West Street, Annapolis
• Broadneck Community Library: 1275 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis
• Brooklyn Park Community Library: 1 East 11th Avenue, Baltimore
• Crofton Community Library: 1681 Riedel Road, Crofton
• Deale Community Library: 5940 Deale-Churchton Road, Deale
• Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library: 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis
• Edgewater Community Library: 25 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater
• Glen Burnie Regional Library: 1010 Eastway, Glen Burnie
• Linthicum Community Library: 400 Shipley Road, Linthicum
• Maryland City at Russett Community Library: 3501 Russett Common, Laurel
• Mountain Road Community Library: 4730 Mountain Road, Pasadena
• Odenton Regional Library: 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton
• Riviera Beach Community Library: 1130 Duvall Highway, Pasadena
• Severn Community Library: 2624 Annapolis Road, Severn
• Severna Park Community Library: 45 West McKinsey Road, Severna Park

The Anne Arundel County Police will make the Community Rooms at the following Precincts available starting at 5:00 p.m. February 9, 2017 until 7:00 a.m. February 10, 2017.

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

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 911. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals.

The Office of Emergency Management encourage 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) is usually 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 tingling or burning in the affected area. Contact your local emergency services if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, the elderly and people with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers the following tips to help residents cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing; it gives more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most problems with hypothermia occur because of an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat. As much as 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.

Residents should also be aware of the risks cold weather poses when inside homes. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department offers the following tips to help residents remain safe in their homes during cold conditions:

• Store several days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Keep several days’ worth of medications.
• Keep fireplaces and wood-burning stoves clean.
• Never leave space heaters on and unattended.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly.
• Check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.

In accordance with § 12-4-809. Severe weather emergencies and alerts, the County Executive has issued a Severe Weather Animal Alert. For more information please visit Anne Arundel County Animal Control's website or visit their page on Facebook.

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