Warming Centers Open Across Anne Arundel County March 12-16

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Anne Arundel County will open warming centers in response to extremely cold forecast temperatures during the overnight hours of 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. from Friday through Tuesday.

Anne Arundel County Police will designate district station community rooms at the following precincts as warming centers during these times:

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

All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. COVID-19 guidance must be adhered to including social distancing and wearing face coverings.

These facilities are not designed to be shelters or to be used as lodging. If you or someone you know are in need of shelter, please contact the Crisis Warmline at 410-768-5522.

The Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to exercise caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it.

The department of health offers the following tips to help residents cope with winter conditions when 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.

Residents should also be aware of the risks cold weather poses when inside homes and buildings. The Anne Arundel County Fire Department offers the following tips to help residents remain safe in their homes during cold conditions:
● 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.