BALTIMORE (WMAR) — With extremely cold temperatures expected throughout the rest of the night on Valentine's Day, Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County are taking action.
Anne Arundel County will be opening up warming centers overnight Friday in response to extremely cold forecast temperatures.
The following locations will be available to provide warming relief: The Anne Arundel County Police will designate District Station Community Rooms at the following Precincts as warming centers from 9:00 p.m. Friday to 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
- Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
- Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
- Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
- Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater
All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities. Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers. Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Meanwhile Baltimore City Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa is also taking steps by issuing a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration overnight in the city.
“With dangerously cold temperatures expected, I am issuing a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration beginning Friday evening through Saturday morning. I encourage residents to stay indoors,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa. “Please be sure to check on neighbors who may be at risk to ensure they have heat and power, and take care to shelter pets.”
The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert when temperatures, including wind chill, are expected to be 13˚F or below or when other conditions are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore citizens.
The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported six cold weather related deaths in Baltimore City so far this Code Blue Extreme Cold season.
Residents are encouraged to contact 311 if a neighbor is without heat or power so that city agencies can assist them. Energy assistance may be available to those who need it. For more information, individuals may contact their nearest Community Action Partnership (CAP) Center.
• Northern CAP Center (5225 York Road, 21212) – 410-396-6084
• Northwest CAP Center (3939 Reisterstown Road, 21215) – 443-984-1384
• Southern CAP Center (606 Cherry Hill Road, 21225) – 410-545-0900
• Southeast CAP Center (3411 Bank Street, 21224) – 410-545-6518
• Eastern CAP Center (1731 E. Chase Street, 21213) – 410-545-0136
For other cold-related inquiries and service requests, or to find a nearby homeless shelter, residents can call 311 or 211.
Other Tips for Keeping Safe in Cold Weather:
• Keep space heaters and candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and loose clothing.
• Check your carbon monoxide detector and make sure it’s working.
• Do not use prohibited heat or power sources inside your home, such as stoves or generators. They may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not leave your car running in a closed space such as a garage.
The Department of Health offers the following tips to help residents cope with winter conditions when outside:
- Layer your clothing to have more flexibility and control over how warm you stay.
- Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
- Most hypothermia cases occur due to an unexpected change in the weather or temperature.
- Wear a warm hat; up to 50 percent of body heat is lost through the head.
- Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
- Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Residents should also be aware of the risks cold weather poses when inside homes and buildings.
