Montgomery County has issued a heat emergency alert from Sunday, July 19 at noon until Tuesday, July 21 at 6.m. Cooling centers will be open during that time. The National Weather Service has forecasted extremely high temperatures during that time.
“The heat index over the next several days will be dangerous,” said Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Dr. Earl Stoddard. “We encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones and keep a check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.”
A Heat Emergency Alert is declared when the heat index is forecast to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. While nighttime temperatures will be lower, they still pose a health threat with extended exposure.
The County will provide cooling centers at the following locations:
Sunday and Wednesday; from noon to 6 p.m.:
Former Silver Spring Library Redevelopment, 8901 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Dr, Rockville,
East County Community Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
Montgomery County Animal Services (Community Room), 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
Monday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
Former Silver Spring Library Redevelopment, 8901 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Dr, Rockville,
East County Community Recreation Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
Montgomery County Animal Services (Conference Room), 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
Good Hope Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring
Executive Office Building cafeteria, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville
Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Silver Spring
Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, 4301 E W Hwy, Bethesda
Wheaton High School, 12401 Dalewood Dr, Silver Spring
Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road Germantown
Tuesday; from noon to 6 p.m.:
Former Silver Spring Library Redevelopment, 8901 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Dr, Rockville,
Good Hope Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring
Montgomery County Animal Services (Community Room), 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood
Masks are required at all times in the cooling centers and will be available, if needed. Do not visit a cooling center if you have a cough, fever, or any other symptoms of illness.
At any time during the heat emergency anyone seeking shelter may use any Ride On Bus to cool down during service hours. The buses are available for free.
The following precautions may help residents remain safe and comfortable during excessive heat days:
Stay indoors, whenever possible. Keep blinds or curtains closed to keep the inside cooler.
Take a cool shower or bath or move to an air-conditioned place. Use the stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
Don’t leave people or pets in a vehicle for ANY amount of time, even with the window open. The temperature inside parked cars can reach 130 degrees in only a few minutes.
Monitor and frequently check on those at high risk.
➡️UPDATE:
☀️ ️A County Heat Emergency Alert begins at noon tomorrow 7/19 until 6 p.m Tues 7/21. Prepare for dangerous heat index values to exceed 105 degrees in afternoon hours, especially Monday.
Cooling Center & Heat-related illness Info: https://t.co/BBuXfG15xJ pic.twitter.com/l6dsVZojcN
— MC Emergency Mgmt (@ReadyMontgomery) July 19, 2020
