Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Issues Heat Emergency Alert Effective 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 Through 8 a.m. on Monday, July 6 – Mocofeed

 

Designated Cooling Centers Will Be Available During the Independence Day Holiday Weekend to Provide Residents Relief From the Heat

 

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a Heat Emergency Alert effective from 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, to 8 a.m. on Monday, July 6, due to the National Weather Service forecast for extremely dangerous temperatures and heat index values.

A Heat Emergency Alert is declared when the temperature or heat index is forecast to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a period of two days or more. While nighttime temperatures will be lower, they still pose a health threat with extended exposure.

Extreme heat impairs the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and has a greater impact on older adults, children, workers exposed to extreme heat conditions, and people with illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include painful muscle spasms or cramps, pale or flushed skin that may be damp or cool, dizziness, nausea, headache, and weakness. This can lead to heat stroke—a medical emergency. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin; a weak pulse; rapid breathing; and changes in consciousness. Seizures can occur; in such cases, individuals should seek medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1.

“The extreme heat that we are expecting is serious, and I urge residents to take precautions so that it’s a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These heat events are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting due to climate change. We want everyone to have fun but take steps to make sure you are celebrating safely.”

July 3 and July 4 Fireworks Events

The starting time for the County’s two fireworks events, planned for Friday, July 3, in Kensington (Einstein High School) and Saturday, July 4 in Germantown (South Germantown Recreational Park), has been changed from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to keep participants safe during the highest temperatures of the day. Residents planning to attend are encouraged to bring water and refillable bottles. Limited free water will be available on site while supplies last. There will be water to purchase from food vendors. Those planning to attend either event should check Montgomery Recreation’s website for any additional weather-related changes. Updates also will be shared through Alert Montgomery.

“As we look ahead to the July 4th holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday, we encourage everyone to celebrate with family members and prepare for the extreme heat headed our way,” said County Council President Natali Fani- González. “Extreme heat is dangerous and its impact can sneak up on you before you know it. Drink water, take frequent breaks, and listen to your body. Also, take a few minutes to check on friends and neighbors who may need assistance during this period of extreme heat.”  

In Montgomery County, most fireworks are illegal to possess and discharge, including sparklers. Find out what to know about fireworks on the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services website.

County Holiday Schedule

Most County facilities will be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. The County has designated six sites in the community for cooling centers. Cooling centers are intended as places for residents to come indoors and cool off. Other County services typically provided at the locations will not be available, including weight rooms, game rooms, and gymnasiums.

Cooling Centers

• East County Community Recreation Center (3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring), 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center (4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase), 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Rockville Memorial Library (21 Maryland Ave., Rockville), 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center (1319 Apple Ave., Silver Spring), 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Upper County Community Recreation Center (8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg), 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Wheaton Community Recreation Center (11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton), 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Other community locations, such as indoor malls and movie theaters, can also be utilized. Pool visitors are advised that County pools may reach capacity during the heat emergency alert. Before attending outdoor events, check with organizers, as some may be canceled or changed due to the extreme heat.

All Ride On buses are zero-fare and offer transportation to cooling centers and other indoor locations throughout the County. Riders can plan their trip and find the fastest route using the Ride On Trip Planner app.

Safety for Workers During Extreme Heat

Services for Individuals Who Are Unhoused  

During excessive heat, Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring will open during the day for unsheltered individuals to escape the heat. Homeless shelters will be open 24/7 during the heat emergency for those who are staying there. Outreach workers and police will be encouraging those who are unsheltered to come inside during the excessive heat. Residents concerned about the well-being of an unsheltered person should call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688 to leave a detailed message including the individual’s location and their concern. Diversion or outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support. Residents should call the Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 after hours when County offices are closed. 

Tips for Staying Safe and Comfortable During Excessive Heat

• Stay indoors, whenever possible. Keep blinds or curtains closed to keep the inside cooler.
• Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they may not prevent heat-related illnesses. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off.
• Use the stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature.
• Avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 9 a.m.
• If you are spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded location.
• Drink plenty of water. Three to 4 cups of water per hour are recommended for people who are working in the heat. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
• Never leave people or pets in a vehicle for ANY amount of time, even with the window open. The temperature inside parked cars can reach over 130 degrees Fahrenheit in only a few minutes.
• Monitor and frequently check on those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:
  • Infants and children up to four years of age.
  • Individuals 65 years of age and older.
  • Individuals who are ill or on certain medications.
  • Individuals who are overweight.
  • Individuals who work outdoors or in spaces that are not air-conditioned.

Heat exposure can be life-threatening. Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing, and drink plenty of water:

• Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs.
• Heat exhaustion: symptoms include cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache, and weakness.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can result in permanent disability or death.

• Symptoms can include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, changes in consciousness, and seizures.
• Seek medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1
• Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths, ice, or a cool bath, and circulate air around the person until help arrives. More info on is available on the CDC website.

Pet Safety

The Office of Animal Services will enforce . Pet owners must not leave pets unattended in vehicles or outdoors. The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services provides safety information for pet owners. To have an Animal Services Officer dispatched in a non-emergency situation, call 301-279-8000.

Stay Informed

Sign up for the County’s Alert Montgomery notification system to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child’s school, or any other location within the County.

For general information about County programs and services, call 311 within the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY, from anywhere. Information on the heat emergency and hot weather safety tips is available on the Heat Emergency webpage.

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Read the original article at mcgov