24-Hour Emergency Hotline:4105436996

Notifiable / Reportable Conditions Line:4105436943

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EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY STARTING JULY 19th

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                 Jennifer Johnson                                                                                                                                                (Office) 410-219-3947                                                                                                                                            (Cell) 410-251-5379

EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY STARTING JULY 19th

(July 20, 2020, Salisbury, MD) Our area will be experiencing a period of extreme heat as temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90’s most of the week. Health Officials in Wicomico County are reminding residents to stay cool and well hydrated. Individuals can quickly develop a heat-related illness, which can become life-threatening if not properly treated. Sweating is the body’s way to cool itself, but under some conditions, sweating isn’t enough. This can cause a person’s body temperature to rise rapidly. A very high body temperature may damage the brain or other vital organs. Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, outdoor workers, and persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at high risk. The Wicomico County Health Department offers these tips to help you stay healthy and cool:

  • Stay indoors. Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, and public places (with a mask on and social distancing).
  • Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm.
  • Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes.
  • Take cool baths or showers.
  • Minimize direct exposure to the sun; if you must be outdoors, seek shade.
  • Drink plenty of fluids without sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.
  • If outdoors, schedule frequent water breaks and drink 2 – 4 glasses (16 – 32 oz.) of fluid each hour.
  • Eat light, cool, non-spicy, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
  • Limit the use of the stove or oven.
  • Check on others such as co-workers, the elderly, and those living alone at least twice a day.
  • Bring pets indoors. If they must remain outside, make sure they have shade and plenty of clean, fresh water.

 

Due to the expected extreme heat in our area, a cooling center will open at the Midway Room at the Wicomico County Civic Center from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20th; Tuesday, July 21st; and Wednesday, July 22nd. 

 

The Civic Center is located at 500 Glen Avenue Salisbury, MD 21804. Masks will be required for entry. Residents will need to bring their own mask, food, beverages, and medications. Please be sure to social distance while at the cooling center. Pets are permitted, but will be sheltered separately by Animal Control and returned to the owner before the cooling center closes for the day. Anyone needing transportation to the Civic Center should call Shore Transit at 443-260-2300 (select “dispatch” option).

 

For more tips on how to stay cool, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat.  Get even more tips and stay connected with the Wicomico County Health Department at www.wicomicohealth.org or via social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).

 

 

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