Montgomery County has activated an Extreme Heat Alert for Thursday, 7/17 from 11am to 8pm. Expect the heat index to be above 95ºF. Stay hydrated and take precautions to protect yourself & pets from heat-related illness.
Per Montgomery County: “
Extreme heat
affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children and individuals who have underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include painful muscle spasms or cramps, pale or flushed skin that may be damp or cool, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness in the early stages. In extreme cases, red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness can occur, in which case residents should seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
County facilities, including
libraries
,
swimming pools
,
recreation centers
and
senior centers
are places to cool off during normal operating hours. Public locations such as indoor malls and movie theaters could also be utilized. Before attending outdoor events, check with organizers as some may be cancelled or changed due to the extreme heat.
Free bottled water will be available on the buses for Montgomery County Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash bus riders. Information on bus schedules is available on the Department of Transportation’s
website
and on the
Ride On Trip Planner app
.
During excessive heat, Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring will open during the day for individuals to escape the heat. Homeless shelters will be open 24/7 during the heat emergency. Outreach workers and police will be encouraging those who are unsheltered to come inside during the excessive heat. Residents concerned about the well-being of a homeless individual should call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support.
- Stay indoors, whenever possible. Keep blinds or curtains closed to keep the inside cooler.
- Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off. Use the stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature.
- 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.
- If you’re spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded location.
- 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 alcohol or caffeine.
- When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
- Never leave people or pets in a vehicle for ANY amount of time, even with the window open. The temperature inside parked cars can reach over 130 degrees in only a few minutes.
-
Monitor and frequently check on 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.
- Individuals who are overweight.
- Infants and children up to four years of age.
- Individuals 65 years of age and older.
- Individuals who are ill or on certain medications.
- Individuals who are overweight.
- Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs.
- Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness.
-
Heat stroke: the most serious type of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911. Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath until help arrives.
More info on heat stroke
.
The Office of Animal Services will enforce Executive Regulation 17-17,
Anti Cruelty Conditions for Dogs and Other Pets
during the heat emergency. Pet owners must not leave pets unattended in vehicles or outdoors. The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services provides
safety information
for pet owners.
Sign up for the County’s
Alert Montgomery
notification system to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message to receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child’s school, or any other locations within the County.
For general information about County programs and services, call 311. Information on heat emergencies and hot weather safety tips is available on the
Heat Emergency webpage
.”
