Anne Arundel County will open cooling centers Friday, July 17, 2020 through Tuesday, July 21, 2020 in response to prolonged high temperatures and excessive humidity. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the high 90s with oppressive humidity, creating heat index values in excess of 107 degrees and air quality levels approaching unhealthy for sensitive groups. The following locations will be available to provide cooling relief:
Anne Arundel County Police will designate District Station Community Rooms at the following precincts as cooling centers from 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020 until 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2020:
- 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 cooling 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 cooling centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 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 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 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
- 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 & Control's website at https://www.aacounty.org/departments/animal-control/index.html or visit their page on Facebook.
Anne Arundel County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations at the cooling center should request the accommodation once they arrive at the facility.