The excessive cold forces Anne Arundel County to open warming centers.
County Executive Steuart Pittman says residents can come to the centers now through Monday. Temperatures are expected in the low 20s with gusty winds with wind chill values in the teens.
The community rooms at these Anne Arundel County police stations will serve as warming centers from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Friday night, January 11, Saturday night, January 12, and Sunday night, January 13:
- Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park
- Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
- Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
- Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater
Each center has bathroom facilities, water, but medical care is not available at these locations. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1.
Pets are also not allowed in the warming centers. Exceptions can be made for service animals.
All children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The Department of Health offers these tips for anyone dealing with the conditions when outside:
- Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
- Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
- Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
- Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
- Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department offers these tips so people stay safe in their homes during cold conditions:
- Store several days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water.
- Keep several days’ worth of medications.
- Keep fireplaces and wood-burning stoves clean.
- Never leave space heaters on and unattended.
- Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly.
- Check on older adults and neighbors and relatives with disabilities.
