Harford Library Branches to Serve as "Cooling Centers" Aug. 11-13

Bel Air MD

10 August, 2021

3:53 PM

Description

Harford County is opening "cooling centers" at library branches due to a forecasted heat wave. The heat index is expected to exceed 105 degrees for the next several days beginning on Wednesday. In response, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department, will offer the cooling centers at library branches from Wednesday, August 11 through Friday, August 13, 2021. The following branches will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Aberdeen – 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Bel Air Darlington – 1134 Main Street, Darlington Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Avenue, 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 Updated library information will be online at www.hcplonline.org or on the Harford County Public Library Facebook page. 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 your 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; and Keep pets hydrated with access to shelter. More information is on the county website at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1980/Extreme-Heat According to the Harford County Health Department, 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. 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.