Anne Arundel County will make several County facilities available to community members from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021, through Friday, August 13, 2021, in response to prolonged high temperatures and excessive humidity. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the high 90s to low 100s with oppressive humidity, creating heat index values in excess of 105 degrees and a code orange air quality alert. A code orange air quality alert is issued when the air quality is deemed unhealthy for some people including those with asthma, lung disease, and older adults. Outdoor physical activities for these groups should be limited during this time.
The following facilities will be available to provide temporary cooling relief:
- Anne Arundel County Police Department District Station Lobbies and/or Community Rooms
- Anne Arundel County Senior Activity Center Community Rooms
- Anne Arundel County Public Libraries
Please visit https://www.aacounty.org/cool for locations and hours. Anyone who needs sheltering, special accommodations, or for public inquiries, contact the Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
All facilities are accessible, have air conditioning, 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 of these County facilities. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If asked by facility staff, COVID-19 guidance must be adhered to including social distancing and wearing face coverings.
The Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to exercise caution during extremely hot temperatures. Whether inside or outside, hot weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it.
During this time period, all County residents and visitors are encouraged to do the following:
- Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these can cause you to lose more body fluid.
- 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 facility for cooling relief– even a few hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
- 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
- At risk individuals seeking cooling with concerns for their pets should contact Animal Care & Control (410) 222-8900 during normal business hours.
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 and Control’s website at https://www.aacounty.org/departments/animal-control/index.html.
All materials are available in an alternative format upon request.