In Response to Heat Wave, County Opens Cool Centers

In wake of a National Weather Service heat advisory throughout Prince George's County, officials have opened six cooling centers. There will be two centers open exclusively for seniors and four for the general public. Visit the following locations:

Cooling centers open for Seniors at the following locations:

• New Carrolton Municipal Center, 6016 Princess Garden Parkway, New Carrolton (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)  
• Camp Springs Senior Center, 6420 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Cooling centers open for General Public at the following locations from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.:

• Fairland Regional Park, 14110 Old Gunpowder Road, Laurel
• Rollingcrest Community Center, 6120 Sargent Road, Chillum
• Palmer Park Community Center, 7720 Barlowe Road, Landover
• Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Hillcrest Heights

“We advise all residents who don’t have access to air conditioning to utilize County cooling centers,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III in a statement. "Additionally, we ask all residents to use caution and common sense with these excessive temperatures, drink plenty of water, and most importantly, look after family members and neighbors, especially the elderly.”

A heat advisory means that a period of excessive temperatures is expected.  Because this is the first round of seasonal heat and bodies are not acclimated yet, heat exhaustion and heatstroke will be a bigger threat than they would be later in the summer.

The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security recommends the following tips:

• Elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses can dehydrate more easily and are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Please check on relatives, friends, and neighbors.
• Your best protection is to stay well hydrated.  Sweat, or water, allows heat to evaporate from your skin’s surface.  If you become dehydrated, it is more difficult for your body to maintain an acceptable temperature.  The best thing to drink is water.  Gatorade or other sports drinks are also good.  Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Limit heavy exertion when high levels of heat and humidity are present.  High humidity levels make it more difficult for your body to dissipate heat.
• Increase time spent in an air-conditioned environment.
• Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing.
• Take frequent rest breaks in the air conditioning or shade.
• Eat smaller meals, more often.
• Spend time at local pools or take cool baths.
• Make sure pets have access to water and shade.
• Continue to monitor weather reports for updates and tips.

In addition, Prince George’s County first responders have been put on alert for an increase in heat-related response calls. The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security will continue to update the public through the County’s website at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov.