UPDATE: Abingdon and Bel Air Volunteer Fire Stations to Serve as “Cooling Centers” During 4th of July Holiday

From Harford County government:

Good Evening, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with a weather update. First, there is a chance for severe thunderstorms late this evening and overnight. Also, the heat expected over the next several days is going to be severe, with temperatures approaching 100 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and heat index’s approaching 105. The State of Maryland has already experienced several heat related deaths and I want to remind everyone to use extreme caution during this period of extreme heat. The county will have cooling centers open for those in need at the Harford County Libraries on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Because the libraries are closed tomorrow July 4th, the Bel Air Fire Company and Abingdon Fire Company will be used as cooling centers from 10 AM until 6 PM. For additional information on heat related emergencies, please visit our web-site at www.harfordpublicsafety.org

From Harford County government:

With heat index values expected to reach nearly 105 degrees during the Fourth of July holiday, the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company will open their doors to the public to assist Harford County Government serving as cooling stations for those needing brief relief from the heat.

Both the Bel Air and Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company’s will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.

“We appreciate the support of our volunteer fire service serving as a temporary shelter for those who may need of relief from the heat,” County Executive David R. Craig stated. “With several heat-related deaths already recorded the past several days in Maryland, we strongly encourage our citizens to seek relief anywhere they can find air conditioning, including shopping malls, theaters or the two designated “Cooling Centers”, Craig remarked.

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company is located at 109 South Hickory Avenue in Bel Air. The Abingdon Volunteer Fire Company is located at 3306 Abingdon Road in Abingdon.

The Harford County Health Department recommends that individuals at special risk should stay indoors on particularly hot and humid days, especially when there is an air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air conditions should go to places such as shopping malls, movie theaters or designated cooling centers.

For additional information regarding heat health issues and preventive measures visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Extreme Heat website at http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/SitePages/Home.aspx. or the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations at www.harfordpublicsafety.org.