Cooling Centers at Public Library Branches – July 27-29, 2023 Havre de GraceCooling Centers at Public Library Branches – July 27-29, 2023 Harford County Public Library Branches to Serve as “Cooling Centers” July 27-29; Heat Index Expected to Reach 100 to 110 Degrees BEL AIR, Md., (July 26, 2023) – Harford County will be opening “cooling centers” at all library branches because of forecasted excessive temperatures. The heat index in Harford County is expected to reach between 100 and 110 degrees over the next several days beginning on Thursday. In response, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department, will offer the cooling centers at library branches from Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29. The following branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday: Aberdeen – 21 Franklin St., Aberdeen Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bel Air Darlington – 3535 Conowingo Road, Street Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston Havre de Grace – 120 N. Union Ave., Havre de Grace Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall Whiteford – 2407 Whiteford Road, Whiteford The Aberdeen and Abingdon branches will have extended hours on Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. In addition to respite from the heat, the cooling centers can be used to charge electronic devices in the event of a power outage, including oxygen concentrators used by oxygen-dependent citizens. Updated library information will be online at www.hcplonline.org or on the Harford County Public Library Facebook page. During periods of extreme heat, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services encourages citizens to follow these safety guidelines: • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit sun exposure. • If you do not have air conditioning, open windows and use a fan. • Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity. • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. • Check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable citizens. • Keep pets hydrated with access to shelter. More information is on the county website at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1980/Extreme-Heat. Heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke. Heat stroke is an advanced form of heat stress that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, a strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium, or coma. Individuals with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should receive immediate medical attention.
