Annapolis, MD. – The National Weather Service has forecasted that the heat index is expected to reach around 100 degrees from Monday, June 28 to Wednesday, June 30. Temperatures are expected to reach the 90-degree range in the next few days.
The City of Annapolis has opened the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center at Truxtun Park (273 Hilltop Lane) as a cooling center Monday June 28th - Wednesday June 30th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Water will be provided. Those visiting the cooling center at Pip Moyer Recreation Center will not have access to recreation activities. For more information, call the City’s Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.
Reminders on how to stay safe during periods of extremely hot weather:
Office of Emergency Management Director, Kevin J. Simmons, warns of the problems that come with the 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.”
“Heat-related illnesses are preventable. The most important thing is to stay well hydrated. It is also important to be sensible about how much you exert yourself in hot weather. The hotter and more humid it is, the harder the body has to fight to cool itself.”
The Centers for Disease Control offer guidance on extreme heat:
The Centers for Disease Control believe that heat related deaths are 100% preventable. The CDC 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, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
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, and 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, for heat watches and warnings in Annapolis and follow directions of local officials. Additional information may be found at www.annapolis.gov/OEM.
Alert Annapolis – This system allows the City to send out automated 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 www.alertannapolis.regroup.com
Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile 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 on Google Play.
Annapolis Police Mobile App - This free app is managed by the City of Annapolis Police Department. The app provides real-time alert notifications pushed to the user’s smartphone, as well as immediate access to the latest police department news, crime maps, and social media accounts. Annapolis Police Mobile App is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and on Google Play.
