County Prepares for Heat Emergency; Hours Extended at Multiple Recreation Facilities and Dozens of Other Facilities Open Throughout the Weekend

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 & Homeland Security (OEMHS) will issue a Heat Emergency Alert beginning at noon on Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21, at 8 p.m. A Heat Emergency Alert is declared when the heat index is forecast to be 105 F or higher.  While nighttime temperatures will be lower, they still pose a health threat with extended exposure.  

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.  

Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves, and their pets, against heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. 

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.  

Montgomery County Recreation:  

Montgomery County is extending hours through Sunday evening at the following community recreation centers.

Additionally, gym memberships fees have been waived beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 19 through Sunday evening.

For the open hours of recreation facilities visit the websites at:

• Aquatic Facilities
• Community Recreation Centers
• Senior Centers

Montgomery County Public Libraries:

Montgomery County Public Libraries has 21 branches that are available during normal hours. A complete list of opening hours are available on the website. 

Health and Human Services:

During excessive heat, homeless shelters allow residents to return to the shelter after work or daytime activities. Outreach teams are already out in the community engaging clients and will continue to encourage unsheltered individuals to seek cool indoor locations. The Interfaith Works Empowerment Center at Progress Place is also 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.  

Animal Services:

The staff of the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center have provided important safety info for pet owners.

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. 

The Rabies clinic scheduled for Sunday, July 21 has been canceled. The next clinic has been scheduled for Aug. 25.

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.  

For information on heat emergency and hot weather safety tips are available on the Heat Emergency webpage.

Release ID: 19-253
Media Contact: Brian Roberts 240-777-6527