Cooling Centers Available to Public during Extreme Heat

7/26/2012

By Press Release

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday, July 26 from noon until 8 PM.  The heat index is expected to be around 105 to 106 degrees from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m..

A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check in on relatives and neighbors.

The Charles County Commissioners would like to announce that the public buildings listed below are open during regular business hours for use by residents as cooling centers during the extreme heat:

Capital Clubhouse

(Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.)

3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf

Richard R. Clark Senior Center

(Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

1210 Charles Street, La Plata

Nanjemoy Community Center

(Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

4375 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy

Charles County Public Libraries

(All branches open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

La Plata Branch, 2 Garrett Ave., La Plata

P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, 50 Village St., Waldorf

Potomac Branch, 3225 Ruth B. Swan Dr., Indian Head

Outdoor Pools

(Open 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

La Plata High School

McDonough High School

Thomas Stone High School

 Indoor Pools

(Open 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

North Point High School

Lackey High School

Daily pool admission is free for ages 2 & under; $4.00 for ages 3-12; $5.00 for ages 13-59; and $4.00 for ages 60 and older. On Heat Advisory, Heat Warning, or Code Red Air Quality Index days, the Dept. of Community Services will offer reduced pool admission fees of $2 for all age levels from 3 p.m. to close on weekdays and 12 p.m. to close on weekends.

With the extremely hot weather forecast for Charles County, the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity may combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.  The County Commissioners are advising people to be cautious and aware during this period of extreme heat.

When the weather is extremely hot:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible, and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine, if air conditioning is not available.
  • Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  • Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
  • Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
  • For additional preparedness information you can visit:  www.ready.gov/heat.  
  • For additional information about heat illnesses, visit: dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/SitePages/Home.aspx.

Citizens should call 9-1-1 in the event of any emergency, heat-related or otherwise.