Wicomico County Extends Cooling Center Availability - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

WICOMICO CO., Md. - In response to the high temperatures, cooling centers are now open all over the Eastern Shore. This current heat wave has already claimed the lives of 2 people in Maryland, one of them an elderly Wicomico County man.

Which is why residents without air conditioning are being urged to take advantage of these resources. Wicomico County originally planned to have their cooling station open until Saturday, but extended it through Sunday. "We're open to everyone. Especially those who are at a higher risk for heat related illness," explains Wicomico County Spokesperson, Tamara Lee-Brooks, "your senior citizens, infants, and children and those with medical conditions."

WMDT found Wicomico County residents, who don't have A.C., like Sonya Hotton are taking advantage of the cool air, water and snacks at the Civic Center. "I can only do so much inside of the house," admits Hotton. "With every step, you just feel all the sweat running off you."

But before you head out to a cooling station, make sure you're prepared. You could be spending a lot of time there. Bring along food, drinks, and medications.

But be aware, not all cooling stations take pets. This is a huge concern for pet owners like Hotton, who had to leave her 17-year-old cat Copper-top at home. "Before I left the house, it was sitting at 80 degrees. And that was at about 10'clock this morning," Hotton describes to WMDT. "She's not exactly a pet that can just bounce right back."