Extreme Heat and Cooling Centers

There will be an extreme heat risk Tuesday and Wednesday with heat index values of 105 degrees and higher.
Heat index values of 105-110+ degrees will be common during the peak hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, with those areas covered by extreme heat warnings likely reaching 110 degrees or higher.

Although the heat wave will ease later in the week, heat indices greater than 105 degrees will still be possible on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

“Drink lots of water, stay inside, take breaks in air conditioning or a shady area if you must work outside, and avoid sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm,” Dr. Casey Scott, Dorchester County’s health officer, said.

If you do not have access to air conditioning, there are several locations where you may go and cool off during the day:=
• Cambridge library, 330 Gay St., Cambridge, 410-228-7331
o Monday 10-6
o Tuesday 10-7
o Wednesday 10-6
o Thursday 10-6
o Friday 10-6
o Saturday 9-5
o Sunday CLOSED
• Hurlock library, 222 S. Main St., Hurlock, 410-943-4331
o Monday 10-6
o Tuesday 10-6
o Wednesday 10-6
o Thursday, 11-7
o FRI-SUN CLOSED
• Overflow Ministries, 400 Muir St., Cambridge, 443-477-6291
o Tuesday 8-4
o Wednesday 8-4
o Thursday 8-4
o Friday 8-4
• One Mission, 614 Race St., Cambridge, 410-901-3959
o Monday 1-5
o Tuesday 1-5
o Thursday 1-5

ONLY OPEN DURING AN EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY
• New Birth Ministries, 1006 Phillips St., Cambridge
o Tuesday, June 24, 11:30-4
o Wednesday, June 25, 11:30-4

What to Know About Hot Weather:
• Watch out for heat warnings: Pay attention to local news about heat advisories. The hottest part of the day is usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to stay out of the sun during those hours.
• Who needs to be extra careful?
o Babies and young children
o Pregnant women
o Older adults
o People who work outside
o People who don’t have air conditioning
o People with certain health problems or who take certain medications
• Heat can be dangerous: Every year, many people get sick or even die from the heat.
• You can stay safe! Heat sickness can be prevented.
What To Do to Stay Cool:
1. Drink lots of water: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
2. Pay attention to your body: You might need to drink more water on hot, humid days. Talk to your doctor about electrolyte drinks. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
o Heat exhaustion signs: Heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, feeling tired or weak, dizziness, headache, and nausea or vomiting.
o Heat stroke signs: Very high body temperature (103 degrees or higher), red, hot, and dry or damp skin, very fast heartbeat, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and losing consciousness.
o If someone has heat stroke, call 911 right away!
3. Limit outdoor activities: Do outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. If you must be outside during the day, take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned place. Wear loose, light-colored clothes and a hat.
4. Watch children closely! Never leave children alone in a car.
5. Check on others: Check on older neighbors, friends, family members, and people without homes. Help them find a cool place to stay, like an air-conditioned shelter. In Dorchester County, the libraries in Cambridge and Hurlock are cooling centers when they are open.
6. Don’t forget your pets: Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water and shade. Never leave pets in a car.