Heat advisory brings cooling centers to Delmarva
Two local counties are opening cooling centers, following the issuing of a heat index for the area.
Wicomico County says residents needing relief from the heat can visit the air conditioned Wicomico Youth and Civic Center on Glen Avenue, from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday. Visitors must bring their own food, beverages, and medications; pets will not be allowed. The MAC Center on Progress Circle in Salisbury is also opening their doors, to those over the age of 50. Free transportation is available to either location via Shore Transit, for details call 443-260-2300.
“One of the most critical things we can do is to ensure our neighbors and relatives are safe is to check in on them at least twice daily,” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County. “Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, and those persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at highest risk for heat related illness. Family, friends, and neighbors who are at high risk will need extra help and residents should consider how to help someone get to an air-conditioned place, if needed.”
Worcester County is also inviting residents to cool down during the heat. They are allowing residents to visit the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill, along with any of the five Worcester County branch libraries, including Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke. The WCRC is open Monday – Thursday, from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:30 PM. For more information about the WCRC call Recreation and Parks at 410-632-2144, but for details about the libraries call the Worcester County Library at 410-632-2600 or visit their website.
Worcester County Emergency Services urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and take frequent breaks from stressful activities to avoid becoming dehydrated and overheated, which can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
For details on the heat, and when it is expected to break, visit 47 ABC’s Weather page.
