Stay safe during High Temperatures
Keep yourself, your family and your pets safe
The National Weather Service has forecasted high temperatures, with a heat index value exceeding 95 degrees, through Wednesday, July 22. To combat the heat, the Calvert County Department of Public Safety offers the following guidance:
Emergency cooling centers available
The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, will open cooling centers at the Harriet E. Brown and Northeast Community Centers from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. for residents who need to take refuge.
Citizens who need transportation to a cooling center outside of regular public transportation operating hours should call the Calvert County Emergency Communications Center non-emergency line at 410-535-3491, to request transportation assistance. For medical emergencies, citizens should call 911.
Calvert County residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves and their families when temperatures rise:
- Drink plenty of fluids; water is best.
- Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they can dehydrate the body.
- Stay in an air-conditioned room or building during the hottest part of the day.
- Stay out of the sun.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbors.
- Never leave children or pets in parked cars since temperatures can rise to 130 degrees inside vehicles in only a few minutes, even with the windows rolled down.
Heat can affect anyone, but most at risk are the very young, older adults and people with underlying health problems. Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation. Those with severe symptoms should seek medical attention.
In addition to providing appropriate protection from the weather, animals must be provided with shelter, water, space and access to shade. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Animal Control, has issued an animal safety alert due to excessive heat and advises citizens to take steps to keep their pets safe when temperatures are soaring.