PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Outdoor temperatures are expected to spike this weekend, and the Calvert County Department of Public Safety reminds residents there are several places in the county offering respite from heat.
The county’s community centers are open during regular hours and safe drinking water is available in each of them. Residents who need to take refuge in a safe, cool place may go to one of the following locations: Harriet E. Brown Community Center
901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick
Open Sunday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Northeast Community Center
4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach
Open Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Mt. Hope Community Center
104 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland
Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Sunday, 12:30-6 p.m.
Southern Community Center
20 Appeal Lane, Lusby
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; closed Sunday
Calvert Library, Prince Frederick Branch
850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick
Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; closed Sunday.
Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center
130 Auto Drive, Prince Frederick
Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Emergency cooling centers are opened when the need arises. The Calvert County Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the temperatures and will make a determination to keep certain cooling centers open past normal business hours if the need arises.
Calvert County residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves and their families when temperatures rise:
· Drink plenty of fluids; water is best.
· Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they can dehydrate the body.
· Stay in an air-conditioned room or building during the hottest part of the day.
· Stay out of the sun.
· Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
· Check on elderly relatives and neighbors.
· Never leave children or pets in parked cars since temperatures can rise to 130 degrees inside vehicles in only a few minutes even with the windows rolled down.
Heat can affect anyone, but most at risk are the very young, the elderly and people with underlying health problems. Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation. Those with severe symptoms should seek medical attention.
To learn more about emergency preparedness, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638. For information on Calvert County Government, visit www.co.cal.md.us or like us on Facebook.