Press Releases
County Urges Residents to take Precautions during Excessive Heat; Offers Tips on Surviving the Heat
For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 18, 2019
The National Weather Service has forecast extremely dangerous temperatures for this weekend. The County’s Office of Emergency Management advises that this is a severe weather threat and is preparing for a Heat Emergency Alert, which means that County-wide temperatures and/or heat index are forecast to be 105 F or higher. The hot temperatures are expected to last through the weekend and nighttime temperature are not expected to drop below 75 degrees.
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves, and their pets, against heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
“The temperatures forecast for this weekend are extremely dangerous,” said Office of Emergency Management Director Earl Stoddard. “We encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones and keep a check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.”
County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation and senior centers, as well as regional services centers are available during normal operating hours for anyone who needs respite from the heat.
Extreme heat affects the body's ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children and sick persons.
During excessive heat, homeless shelters operate under a hyperthermia alert and allow residents to return to the shelter after work or daytime activities. Outreach programs encourage unsheltered individuals to seek cool indoor locations and the Interfaith Works Empowerment Center at Progress Place is available for unsheltered individuals.
Residents concerned about the well-being of a homeless individual can call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support.
In the event of an extreme temperature situation or weather emergency, owners must not leave a pet unattended outdoors. Under Executive Regulations 17-17, the director of the Montgomery County Police Department, Animal Services Division, has the authority to enforce Anti Cruelty Conditions for Dogs and Other Pets. Pet owners are advised to be particularly careful with pets in vehicles during high outdoor temperatures and be familiar with the signs of heat stress.
Hot Weather Safety Tips
- The following precautions will help residents remain safe and more comfortable during excessive heat days:
- Stay indoors, whenever possible. Visit nearby air-conditioned buildings in your community, if your home is not air-conditioned. In addition to County facilities, residents can visit shopping malls, movie theaters and museums. A hyperthermia plan for homeless shelters has been activated and Progress Place in downtown Silver Spring is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all homeless individuals.
- Be careful to avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 9 a.m.
- Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink.
- Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen protection are strongly recommended.
- Never leave pets, young children, or the elderly in a vehicle for ANY amount of time, even with the window open, because the temperature inside parked cars can reach 130 degrees in only a few minutes.
- Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:
- Infants and children up to four years of age;
- Individuals 65 years of age and older;
- Individuals who are ill or on certain medications; and
- Individuals who are overweight
Signs of heat exposure
Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing, and drink plenty of water:
- Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs;
- Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness; and
- Heat stroke: the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness. Seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1.
Sign up for the County's Alert Montgomery notification system to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message to receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child's school, or any other locations within the County.
For general information about County programs and services, call 3-1-1.
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6536