With temperatures predicted in the 90s and possibly reaching 100 degrees, Montgomery County residents are advised to stay indoors when possible and look after their elderly or isolated neighbors.
County facilities, including libraries, recreation and senior centers and regional services centers are open during normal business hours and may provide respite from the heat. Outdoor and indoor pools are open; however admission rates apply.
All Montgomery County Public School day activities, including lunch, recess, physical education and outdoor classes, are being held inside Wednesday.
All outdoor sport contests cannot begin until at least 6 p.m. or rescheduled to a different day. Any evening events will be monitored by coaches and trainers. There will be mandatory water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes of play.
Ride On buses are offering free water to riders Wednesday until supplies run out.
Colesville United Methodist Church is keeping its doors open to the community for anyone who needs to cool down. The church is located on 52 Randolph Road in Silver Spring and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenever the temperature reaches 90 degrees or higher.
Registration is not required but those attending are required to provide their name and address as well as an emergency contact. Except for guide dogs, pets are not welcome.
Shepherd’s Table at Progress Place on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring is keeping its dining room open until 8 p.m. People are welcome to come and rest indoors.
The county advises residents to stay indoors whenever possible. Taking a cool shower or bath or going to an air-conditioned place is recommended. Use the stove and oven less.
- Be careful to 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.
- Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink.
- Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen protection are strongly recommended.
- Never leave pets, young children, or the elderly in a vehicle for ANY amount of time, even with the window open, because the temperature inside parked cars can reach 130 degrees in only a few minutes.
- Monitor 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; and
- Individuals who are overweight.
