PRINCE FREDERICK, MD – With temperatures expected to soar to the upper 90s today and the heat index reaching even higher, residents are reminded there are several places in Calvert County to visit if they need to cool off. The county’s community centers and the Calvert Library’s Prince Frederick Branch will be 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:
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.
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.
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.
The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center is also available as a cooling center. Its hours of operation are 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, very old 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
La Plata, MD – When the summer heat begins, it is important to stay cool and hydrated. These Charles County public buildings are open during regular business hours for use by residents as cooling centers throughout the summer:
Capital Clubhouse, 3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf
Richard R. Clark Senior Center, 1210 Charles Street, La Plata
Nanjemoy Community Center, 4375 Port Tobacco Road, Nanjemoy
Department of Community Services, 8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco
Charles County Public Libraries, La Plata Branch, 2 Garrett Avenue, La Plata
P.D. Brown Memorial Branch, 50 Village Street, Waldorf
Potomac Branch, 3225 Ruth B. Swan Drive, Indian Head
Waldorf West Library, 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf
Outdoor Pools
La Plata High School, 6035 Radio Station Road, La Plata
Thomas Stone High School, 3785 Leonardtown Road, Waldorf
McDonough High School, 7165 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret
Indoor Pools
Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center at St. Charles High School, 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf
North Point High School, 2500 Davis Road, Waldorf
Lackey High School, 3000 Chicamuxen Rd, Indian Head
To avoid heat-related issues, take additional precautions if you work or spend time outside during extreme heat. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
Information on Heat Illnesses
Citizens should call 9-1-1 in the event of any emergency, heat-related, or otherwise.
For additional preparedness information, visit www.ready.gov/heat or www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml.
www.CharlesCountyMD.gov
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