Frm Harford County government:
High temperatures and power outages trigger need for cooling centers
With high temperatures and heat index expected to continue into Tuesday, Harford County Government, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department will continue the practice of using libraries as “Cooling Centers”.
All Harford County Public Libraries will serve as “Cooling Centers” for the public’s use during normal business hours. Harford County Public Libraries were also used as “Cooling Centers” Friday and Saturday as well as Monday, due to the extreme heat and severe weather conditions.
The hours of operation for Harford County Public Library are as follows:
– Bel Air Branch 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
– Aberdeen, Abingdon, Edgewood, Fallston, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Joppa, Norrisville and Whiteford will be open 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
– Darlington Branch 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
According to the Harford County Health Department, heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigues, 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, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Persons with any of these symptoms should receive immediate medical attention, especially older adults.
For additional information regarding heat health issues and preventive measures, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Extreme Heat website http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat.SitePages/Home.aspx. or the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations at www.harfordpublicsafety.org.
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