As we approach the winter season, Anne Arundel County will open several county facilities as warming relief locations to support community members during anticipated prolonged cold weather. Community members who need temporary relief from the cold weather can stop in and utilize the designated facilities during their normal business hours. Anyone who needs sheltering, special accommodations, or has specific inquiries can contact the Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522.
The following facilities will be available for warming relief during the specified days and times. Please visit https://www.aacounty.org/warm for more information.
- Anne Arundel County Police Department District Station Lobbies and/or Community Rooms will be available 24/7.
- Anne Arundel County Senior Activity Center Community Rooms will be available during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Anne Arundel County Public Libraries will be available during normal business hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Select locations are also open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
All facilities are accessible and have heat, water, and restroom facilities. Medical care is unavailable, and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any of these County facilities. Accommodations will be made for service animals. An adult must accompany children 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.
During this period, all County residents and visitors are encouraged to do the following:
- Dress in layers to stay warmer for longer. This also gives you more flexibility to remove layers while still staying warm.
- Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature, so keep extra gloves, hats, and a coat in your car.
- Wear a warm hat when going outside. Up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
- Avoid getting wet when the temperatures drop.
- Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol which can cause dehydration.
In accordance with ยง 12-4-809 Severe Weather Emergencies and Alerts, the County Executive will issue a Severe Weather Animal Alert when temperatures reach 32 degrees meaning that any dog left unattended outside must have the items listed below:
- A dog house, with no interior metal surfaces, that protects the animal against wind, snow, and cold that is raised at least 2 inches off the ground;
- Dry bedding or resting board inside the dog house; and
- Fresh, clean, and drinkable non-frozen water at all times in a non-tip bowl.
All materials are available in an alternative format upon request. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.