March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

It’s gonna get cold tonight…warming centers to open this afternoon at 5pm

Anne Arundel County will be opening warming centers starting at 5 p.m. in response to anticipated extreme cold weather conditions over the next few days. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures as low as 15 degrees and wind chill as low as 8 degrees in the evenings. Warming centers will be open until Monday morning at 7:00 a.m.

The following locations will be available to provide warming relief:

The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities will open the following warming centers during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday to provide warming relief to vulnerable populations. Visiting children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

  • Annapolis Senior Center: 119 South Villa Avenue, Annapolis
  • Arnold Senior Center: 44 Church Rd, Arnold
  • Brooklyn Park Senior Center: 202 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park
  • O’Malley Senior Center: 1275 Odenton Road, Odenton
  • Pasadena Senior Center: 4103 Mountain Road, Pasadena
  • Pascal Senior Center: 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie
  • South County Senior Center: 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

Anne Arundel County Public Libraries will be open Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday/Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Annapolis Regional Library: 1410 West Street, Annapolis
  • Broadneck Community Library: 1275 Green Holly Drive, Annapolis
  • Brooklyn Park Community Library: 1 East 11th Avenue, Baltimore
  • Crofton Community Library: 1681 Riedel Road, Crofton
  • Deale Community Library: 5940 Deale-Churchton Road, Deale
  • Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library: 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis
  • Edgewater Community Library: 25 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater
  • Glen Burnie Regional Library: 1010 Eastway, Glen Burnie
  • Linthicum Community Library: 400 Shipley Road, Linthicum
  • Maryland City at Russett Community Library: 3501 Russett Common, Laurel
  • Odenton Regional Library: 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton
  • Riviera Beach Community Library: 1130 Duvall Highway, Pasadena
  • Severn Community Library: 2624 Annapolis Road, Severn
  • Severna Park Community Library: 45 West McKinsey Road, Severna Park

The Anne Arundel County Police will make the Community Rooms at the following Precincts available from 5 p.m. Wednesday until Monday at 7 a.m.

  • Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
  • Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
  • Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
  • Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater

Residents requiring transportation to any warming center should contact the Department of Aging and Disabilities during normal business hours, Wednesday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 410-222-0022.

All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 911. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals.

The Office of Emergency Management encourage residents to exercise caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are unprepared.

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) is usually accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for the stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the affected area. Contact your local emergency services if you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.

Children, the elderly and people with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers the following tips to help residents cope with winter conditions when outside:

  • Layer your clothing; it gives more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
  • Prepare for the unexpected. Most problems with hypothermia occur because of an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
  • Wear a warm hat. As much as 50 of body heat is lost through the head.
  • Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
  • Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.

Residents should also be aware of the risks cold weather poses when inside the house. The Fire Department offers the following tips to help residents remain safe in their homes during cold conditions:

  • Store several days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water.
  • Keep several days’ worth of medications.
  • Keep fireplaces and wood-burning stoves clean.
  • Never leave space heaters on and unattended.
  • Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly.
  • Check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.
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