City Reminds Residents to “Beat the Heat”
Annapolis, Md. — Through the weekend, the National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast excessive heat across the region, especially from Saturday, June 22, through Sunday, June 23, 2024. Temperatures in the Annapolis area are expected to range between 90°F and 100°F, with heat indices reaching as high as 104°F. The City will activate its cooling centers for the first time this season to provide relief from extreme heat conditions and help prevent heat-related illnesses.
City Cooling Centers
The City of Annapolis will open its primary cooling center:
- the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center (273 Hilltop Lane), from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. Access to water will be provided. Please note: those visiting the Pip Moyer cooling center will not have access to recreation activities.
The following community-based cooling centers will also be open over the weekend to individuals who need this service. Access to drinking water will be available at these locations.
- Annapolis Michael E. Busch Library, 1410 West Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22; and
- American Legion Post #141 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Based on availability, additional cooling centers may open during future cooling center activations. For more information, call the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.
Availability of Annapolis Harbormaster Pumpout Boat Service
Contact the Annapolis Harbormaster at 410-320-6852 or VHF 17 if you are in need of a pumpout. Visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/pages/pumpout/annapolis.aspx for a list of all pumpout locations in the area.
BGE Provides Summer Ready Information
During periods of extreme heat, power usage typically surges as households and businesses rely heavily on air conditioning and cooling systems to maintain safe and comfortable environments. Additionally, staying informed about weather forecasts and potential power advisories helps in planning for alternative cooling methods and ensuring that backup power sources, like generators, are operational. BGE provides information for residents to be energy efficient this summer. Visit https://www.bge.com/news/news-releases/bge-ready-for-summer-heat for more information.
Reminders on How to Stay Safe During Periods of Extremely Hot Weather
“We have seen the effects of extreme heat in other communities. Now that it is Annapolis’ turn, it is important to know the signs of heat-related illness,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. “If your neighbors are vulnerable, help them get to a cooling center before they are in crisis. It’s times like this when we need to look out for each other.”
Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin J. Simmons emphasizes the importance of heat safety for all residents, particularly those most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. "Preventing heat-related deaths is a critical goal. We are dedicated to educating our community about the dangers of extreme heat and ensuring that everyone has access to safe, cool spaces during heat-related emergencies." At-risk groups include children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, those without stable housing, people with chronic health conditions, indoor and outdoor laborers, emergency responders, low-income residents, athletes, and others.
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illnesses happen when the body is not able to cool itself properly. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down, which can damage the brain and other vital organs. Always call 911 in the event of a heat-related emergency.
- 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.
“Beat the Heat”
The CDC has compiled safety tips to help individuals “beat the heat.” Remembering to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed is key. Some important tips and reminders during days with extreme heat include:
- Stay Cool
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
- Pace yourself: Reduce your exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
- Do not leave children or pets in cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Always check with your doctor for specific medical guidance.
- Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.
Stay Informed
Know where to go for trusted sources of information. Monitor local news resources for heat watches and warnings in Annapolis and follow the 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 visit the following site: https://alertannapolis.civicready.com/ or text “ANNAPOLIS” to 38276.
- Prepare Me Annapolis Mobile App – This free app from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provides real-time alerts and information for Annapolitans to be prepared in any type of emergency. Prepare Me Annapolis is available, free of charge, on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
