July 17, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY – In response to “Code Red” heat advisories and predicted high temperatures over the coming weekend, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is reminding residents to exercise caution and avoid the heat.
“Our region has seen extreme heat this week and temperatures over the weekend could reach 100 degrees. It is important that we all take precautions to stay safe, especially our youngest and oldest residents,” said Ball. “Howard County has a variety of air-conditioned locations where anyone can get out of the sun and cool off. Working together we can exercise heat preparedness, stay indoors, and keep everyone safe.”
Heat Safety
The Howard County Health Department provides a list of heat safety tips on their website, including:
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment. A child’s body heats up 3-5 times faster than an adult’s.
- If you must be out in the heat, wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids.
- Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 3 PM
- Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments.
- Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, and dry red skin.
- Citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.
Air Conditioning
Howard County’s 50+ Centers are always available during business hours for a place to escape the heat with air conditioning. These include: Bain, East Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Longwood, Glenwood, and North Laurel. In addition, people can cool off at Recreation & Parks Community Centers and Howard County Libraries. When County officials declare a “Code Red” for heat, they activate cooling shelters. For overnight sheltering anyone is welcome at the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center in Columbia and for daytime cooling the Leola Dorsey Day Resource Center is open in Jessup.
Pet Safety
“As a dog owner, I also want to spread the word about keeping our pets safe on hot days,” added Ball. “Please bring your pet inside during intense heat and, on days when they are outside, make sure they have access to shade and drinking water. Remember, if it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your furry friends.”
Find more tips to prevent your pet from overheating here.