Stay Safe in the Heat
Forecasters are issuing a heat advisory for our area on Tuesday, September 5 through Wednesday, September 6. Because of the anticipated extreme temperatures, the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services and the Carroll County Public Library System will operate relief centers around the county. Residents who are vulnerable to high temperatures and who do not have proper protection in their homes are encouraged to cool off in any of the following locations until the close of business:
Relief centers are open during regular business hours at County Senior Centers and the Department of Citizen Services.
- Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – )
- South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
All branches of the Carroll County Public Library System will also be open as cooling centers during regular business hours.
- Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Mt. Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- Westminster Branch, 50 East Main Street, Westminster (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
Facilities operated by private/non-governmental organizations will also be open as cooling centers during specific business hours.
- Carroll County Veterans Independence Project, 95 Carroll Street, Suite 104, Westminster (10 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
- On Our Own of Carroll County, 265 East Main Street, Suite C, Westminster (9 AM – 12:45 PM Tues. & 9 AM – 3 PM Wed.)
- Human Services Programs Adult Only Homeless Shelter, 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster (12 PM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
Access to air conditioning and water fountains will be available for those who need them at any of the cooling centers.
Heat safety tips
- Limit time outside, especially at the hottest time of day, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher when outside.
- Drink more water than usual. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Check on kids and elderly or disabled neighbors and family members.
- NEVER leave a child, pet, or elderly person alone in a car, even for a minute. This can quickly cause heatstroke and even death. If you see a child, elderly person, or pet alone in a car, call 911.
For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/
Summer Storms
Check the weather and make sure you and your family are prepared for summer storms.
- Find safe spots in your house without windows or doors, where you can shelter in a storm.
- Keep cell phones charged. Make sure all family members know important numbers, and know how to text. Text messages can be easier to send in an emergency.
- Have a kit with water (1 gallon per person and pet per day for 3 days), a flashlight, and a radio (a weather radio is best).
- Plan for family members with special needs, like medical equipment that needs electricity.
- Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check online for storm updates:
- Local radio stations: WTTR 1470 AM, 100.7 WGRX FM, 97.9 WIYY FM, 1090 WBAL AM
- Local TV stations WMAR 2, WBAL 11, WJZ 13, Channel 19, Channel 24, and WBFF 45
- Web: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/
- Facebook: facebook.com/CarrCoMDPubSafe
- Twitter: @CarrCoMDPubSafe, @CarrollCoMD
- Make sure pets and farm animals have a safe place to shelter.
- Keep your cars’ gas tanks filled.
- Clear your yard of things that could blow around during the storm and damage your home, like grills, bikes, and patio furniture.
- Know how to turn off your power and gas. If you see flooding or downed power lines, smell gas, or have to leave your home, switch them off.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing and flushing toilets in case you lose your water supply.
- Lower the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold if the power goes out.
For more information on summer storms, visit Thunderstorms and Lightning from Ready.gov
Power Outages / Energy Assistance
If your power goes out, report it to your power company.
BGE: 877-778-2222
Potomac Edison: 888-544-4877
If you need help paying your energy bills, call Human Services Programs at 410-857-2999.
Water Safety
The water at beaches can sometime be contaminated with things that make people sick. Check for Maryland beach safety information and sign up for updates at http://www.marylandhealthybeaches.org/
Keep kids safe at the beach or pool. Make sure an adult who can swim is actively watching the kids.
To keep pools clean and germ-free, wash off before entering the pool, stay out of the pool if you are sick, and change kids’ swim diapers often. Teach kids not to swallow pool water.
For more summer safety tips for kids, visit CDC’s water safety page.
For more information on extreme weather and safety, visit our extreme weather page.