Harford County opens cooling centers amid record heat
Harford County has opened cooling centers Thursday through Saturday at all library branches because of forecasted excessive temperatures.
County officials said the heat index in Harford County is expected to reach between 100-110 degrees over the next several days beginning on Thursday.
The following branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday:
Aberdeen – 21 Franklin St., Aberdeen
Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon
Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air
Darlington – 3535 Conowingo Road, Street
Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood
Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston
Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Ave., Havre de Grace
Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville
Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa
Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall
Whiteford – 2407 Whiteford Road, Whiteford
The Aberdeen and Abingdon branches will have extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m.
In addition to respite from the heat, the cooling centers can be used to charge electronic devices in the event of a power outage, including oxygen concentrators used by oxygen-dependent citizens.
Go to hcplonline.org or the Harford County Public Library Facebook page for the latest info.
During periods of extreme heat, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services encourages citizens to follow these safety guidelines:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit sun exposure.
• If you do not have air conditioning, open windows and use a fan.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable citizens.
• Keep pets hydrated with access to shelter.
More information is on the county website at harfordcountymd.gov/1980/Extreme-Heat.
Heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke, according to the Harford County Health Department.
Heat stroke is an advanced form of heat stress that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium, or coma. Individuals with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should receive immediate medical attention, the health department said.
