Extreme Heat Prompts Harford County To Open Cooling Centers Sept. 6-7

HARFORD COUNTY, MD ? Cooling centers will be available at all Harford County library branches through Sept. 7 due to forecasted excessive temperatures.

The heat index in Harford County is expected to reach between 100 and 105 degrees through Thursday, so the Harford County Public Library, in cooperation with the Harford County Government, department of emergency services and the Harford County Health Department will offer cooling centers at library branches through Thursday.

The following branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day:

• Aberdeen ? 21 Franklin St.,
• Aberdeen Abingdon ? 2510 Tollgate Road,
• Abingdon Bel Air ? 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave.,
• Bel Air Darlington ? 3535 Conowingo Road,
• Street Edgewood ? 629 Edgewood Road,
• Edgewood Fallston ? 1461 Fallston Road,
• Fallston Havre de Grace ? 120 N. Union Ave.,
• 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

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 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.

? Keep pets hydrated with access to shelter.

Heat illness can take 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, the county stated.