Community Corner

Howard County Issues Heat Advisory Through Sunday Evening

Four people have died from this heat wave in Maryland, and temperatures are expected to rise.

 

Howard County issued a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Sunday, amid a power outage that has about 3,000 people in the county still without power, nearly a week since .

Dr. Peter Beilenson, health officer for the county, issued the advisory early Thursday, as temperatures are expected to feel hotter than 100 degrees.

According to Weather.com, high temperatures around Howard County are expected to be in the upper 90s on Thursday and Friday, peaking on Saturday at 102 degrees and then back to the mid-nineties on Sunday.

The heat index will feel above 100 degrees during the hottest hours, according to a statement from the county.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has announced four heat-related deaths have occurred in the state as a result of this recent heat wave. Thirty four heat-related deaths occurred in the state in 2011.

With BGE reporting 2,895 outages in Howard County as of 11:36 a.m. Thursday, the county is urging residents to utilize its 18 cooling centers at county libraries and senior centers to prevent heat-related illness or death. A "water buffalo" for residents to collect water will also be available today, at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Cooksville until 8 p.m.

The Columbia Association is also opening its pools for free to residents still without power.

Howard County is offering these recommendations for staying safe in the heat wave:

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  • Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
  • If you must be out in the heat wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
  • Increase your fluid intake; drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids.
  • Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors who live alone.
  • If possible, stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma.
  • As with any other emergency, citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.


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