Warming Centers Open as Plummeting Temps Forecast

Millersville, MD – With low temperatures plummeting into the teens the next couple of nights, Anne Arundel County will open warming centers today at 5 p.m. Sunday, officials said.

The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures as low 15 degrees with winds of 15-20 miles per hour and gusting to 30 miles per hour. These low temperatures and winds are capable of producing winds chills below 10 degrees. Warming centers are expected to remain open until Tuesday morning at 7 a.m.

»See the hour-by-hour and extended local forecast by clicking the temperature at the top of any Patch page.

The Anne Arundel County Police will make the community rooms available to provide warming relief at the following district stations.

• Northern District, 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
• Eastern District, 204 Pasadena Road, Pasadena (new location)
• Western District, 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
• Southern District, 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

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.

Winter Safety Tips, Frostbite Prevention

The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to exercise caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to deal with it.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) is usually accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for the stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness.

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 these 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 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 the house. The 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.

The decision on opening of the warming centers will be made each day based upon the current forecast and an advisory being issued by the National Weather Service.