Blustery Weekend In Anne Arundel County Opens Warming Centers

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The National Weather Service predicts that wind chills could dip to the mid or low 20s over the next several days. In response, Anne Arundel County is opening several warming centers, which have water and restrooms.

The facilities will follow social distancing and mask rules. The following centers will be open Saturday through Tuesday from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m.:

• Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
• Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
• Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
• Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health offered these tips for staying warm outside:

• Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

Health officials also said this is how residents can prepare for cold snaps at their home:

• Store several days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water.
• Keep several days’ worth of medications.
• Keep fireplaces and wood-burning stoves clean.
• Never leave space heaters on and unattended.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly.
• Check on older adults and neighbors and relatives with disabilities.

More information about the warming centers is available at this link.

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