Annapolis, MD - According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees over the next few days. The heat, combined with extremely humid air, will push the heat index, or what the temperature feels like, to around 100 degrees. The City of Annapolis will open two cooling centers to prepare for these extreme temperatures.
The Roger "Pip" Moyer Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Lane) and the American Legion ( 1707 Forest Drive) will be in operation as cooling centers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24. Water will be provided at both cooling center locations. Those visiting the cooling center at the Roger "Pip" Moyer Community Recreation Center will not have access to recreation activities.
Reminders on how to stay safe during periods of extremely hot weather:
"Please check in on family members and neighbors who live without air conditioning," said Mayor Gavin Buckley. "We have to take care of each other. The City opens cooling centers as a defense against heat-related illnesses. I encourage residents to use them. Get cool, have a snack, and meet your neighbors!"
Office of Emergency Management Director, Kevin J. Simmons, warns of the problems that come with extreme heat, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Director Simmons elaborates, “Ambulance crews usually experience an increase in medical calls during extended periods of hot weather. The young, elderly, and those with medical conditions are more susceptible to the effects of heat-related illness. In addition to checking in on these individuals, encourage them to take frequent breaks when working outside. If you must be outside, try to work during the early morning or evening hours.”
Future cooling center activations will be announced by the Annapolis Office of Emergency Management as conditions require. For more information, call the City's Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers guidance on extreme heat:
The CDC believes that heat-related deaths are 100% preventable and has compiled an Extreme Heat Prevention Guide. Some important considerations include:
Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress.
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health-sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates.
Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it is coolest, like morning and evening hours. Use a buddy system. Take frequent breaks.
Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Symptoms of heat-related illness:
Heat cramps are muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration.
Heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion are paleness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and increased temperature.
Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness. These people have warm, flushed skin and do not sweat. This is considered a critical medical emergency. These patients must have their temperature reduced quickly and taken directly to the hospital.
Please also be advised:
If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
Stay Informed
Know where to go for trusted sources of information. Monitor local news resources, such as WNAV 1430AM and 99.9FM, for heat watches and warnings in Annapolis and follow the directions of local officials. Additional information can be found at www.annapolis.gov/OEM.
Alert Annapolis - This system allows the City to send out customized telephone messages, text messages, or emails quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. The brief message will provide information on the emergency and any important instructions. To sign up for Alert Annapolis, please go to the following site http://alertannapolis.civicready.com/.
Prepare Me Annapolis Smartphone App - This free app from the Office of Emergency Management provides information for Annapolitans to be prepared in any type of emergency situation. The app delivers push notifications that include important information regarding City functions and other important notices. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
