PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. –  The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for this week, as temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees this weekend. The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management reminds citizens there are several places in Calvert County to visit if they need to cool off. These sites will be open during regular hours and safe drinking water is available in each of them. Residents who need to take refuge in a safe, cool place may go to one of the following locations:                                                                                                                                                    

Harriet E. Brown Community Center

901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick

Open Sunday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Northeast Community Center                              

4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach

Open Sunday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Mt. Hope Community Center                      

104 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland

Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, 12:30-6 p.m.

Southern Community Center

20 Appeal Lane, Lusby

Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; closed Sunday

Calvert Library, Prince Frederick Branch

850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick

Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m.; closed Sunday                                              

The Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center is also available as a cooling center. Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m.-8p.m.

Emergency cooling centers are opened when the need arises. The Calvert County Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the National Weather Service’s excessive heat warnings and will make a determination to keep certain cooling centers open past normal business hours if the need arises.

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, senior citizens 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.

            Pet owners should provide ample shade and water for their pets or bring pets indoors. Any time a pet is outside, make sure it has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water.

            To learn more about emergency preparedness, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638. For information on Calvert County Government, visit www.co.cal.md.us or like us on Facebook.