Excessive Cold Prompts Opening of Warming Centers - December 11, 2019

Anne Arundel County will open warming centers overnight on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in response to extremely cold forecast temperatures. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the mid 20s with wind chill values in the upper teens. The following locations will be available to provide warming relief:

The Anne Arundel County Police will designate District Station Community Rooms at the following Precincts as warming centers from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday night, December 11, 2019 until Thursday morning, December 12, 2019:

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

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

9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The 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 properly handle it.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be 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 a tingling or burning feeling in the impacted area. Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, older adults, 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 to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 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 and buildings. 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 older adults and neighbors and relatives with disabilities.

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 Care & Control's website at http://www.aacounty.org/departments/animal-control or visit their page on Facebook. At risk individuals seeking warmth with concerns for their pets should contact Animal Control (410) 222-8900 during normal business hours.