As tempreatures climb, so do the costs for cooling centers, and risks for vulnerable populations

SALISBURY, MD- With temperatures this week reaching the high 90s and humidity making it feel like over 100 in the afternoon, local health departments and service centers are jumping into action.

“It’s a place where they can go on a day when the heat is highest and be able to cool down we encourage everyone to drink plenty of water and keep track of how they are feeling,” said Jennifer Johnson of the Wicomico County Health Department.

Cooling centers across the area include the MAC center for aging and the Wicomico Civic center. Jennifer Johnson says her best advice is to stay inside and drink lots of water but for some that might not be enough especially if they are older.

“Not everybody had air conditioning not everybody has fans not everybody had a place to be inside so it is very important to offer those cooling centers,” she said.

But leaders from MAC say with higher temperatures, costs are rising to keep these cooling centers open.

And, people aren’t the only ones struggling in this heat.

“The heat is really tough on all pets but when we have them in a shelter environment we need to be really careful about the care they are getting,” said Linda Trofelli of the Brandywine SPCA.

That means her staff is taking the animals on lots of short frequent walks- from volunteers in areas with cool sidewalks for the nearly 150 animals in their care.
She says it’s also important for people to be on the lookout for strays.

“Animals at large right now are really going to be struggling so if you see an animal in your community call animal control and put out some water if the animal has not been secured yet,” she said.

Locations for Local Cooling Centers can be found at the Following Links.