Heat Alert: Cooling Centers Open Across Anne Arundel Through July 23

Anne Arundel County opened cooling centers Wednesday to offer residents relief from what is expected to be extreme heat and humidity, along with poor air quality, for the next four days. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-90s with oppressive humidity, creating conditions that feel like more than 105 degrees.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities will designate the following Senior Centers as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, through Friday, July 21, to provide cooling relief to residents. Visiting children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Annapolis Senior Center: 119 South Villa Avenue, Annapolis
• Arnold Senior Center: 44 Church Rd, Arnold
• Brooklyn Park Senior Center: 202 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park
• O'Malley Senior Center: 1275 Odenton Road, Odenton
• Pasadena Senior Center: 4103 Mountain Road, Pasadena
• Pascal Senior Center: 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie
• South County Senior Center: 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

The following Anne Arundel County Public Libraries will be designated as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, July 20, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22.

• 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

Anne Arundel County Police will designate District Station Community Rooms at the following precincts as cooling centers from daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, to Sunday, July 23.

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

Residents requiring transportation to any cooling center should call the Office of Transportation during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 410-222-0022.

All cooling centers are accessible, air-conditioned and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any cooling centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals.

During heat waves you should:

• Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: if your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has prescribed you water pills, ask them how much you should drink while temperatures are above average.
• Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these can cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks if possible, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to an air-conditioned public place or a county cooling center; even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the mid-90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a more efficient way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave any person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children
• Those aged 65 or older
• Those who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

The county executive has issued a Severe Weather Animal Alert, which says a dog houses must protect an animal against the weather. Pet owners who do not protect their animals from the heat face fines ranging from $125 to $1,000, could have their animal removed from the home, and face criminal prosecution depending on the conditions found. For more information visit Anne Arundel County Animal Control's website.
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