BEL AIR, Md., (June 23, 2015) – With the heat index expected to reach 105 degrees on Tuesday, June 23, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department will use libraries as “Cooling Centers”.
All Harford County Public Libraries will serve as “Cooling Centers” for the public’s use during normal business hours Tuesday. The Bel Air Library opens 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Darlington Library is open 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and all other locations are open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The branch locations of Harford County Public Library are as follows:
- Aberdeen – 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
- Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road Abingdon, Maryland 21009
- Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014
- Darlington – 1134 Main Street, Darlington, Maryland 21034
- Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road, Edgewood, Maryland 21040
- Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston, Maryland 21047
- Havre de Grace – 203 Market Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
- Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road, Jarrettsville, Maryland 21084
- Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive, Joppa, Maryland 21085
- Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road, White Hall, Maryland 21161
- Whiteford – 2407 Whiteford Road, Whiteford, Maryland 21160
According to the Harford County Health Department, 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, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Persons with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should receive immediate medical attention.