Heat Alert, Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued For Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The county health department has issued a heat alert for Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. Temperatures have been forecast to reach the mid- to high 90s. The high temperatures combined with high humidity will make outside temperatures feel even hotter with heat index values reaching up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

Howard County residents in need of a cooler environment can visit one of Howard County’s Community Centers, 50+ Centers, or library branches during normal hours. Anyone in need of shelter or other assistance should call the Grassroots hotline at 410-531-6677.

The Maryland Department of the Environment also has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Wednesday for central and southeast Howard County. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly.

The warning signs of heat-related illness include light-headedness, headaches, muscle cramps, mild nausea or confusion, fatigue or profuse sweating and rapid breathing. According to the county, residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent heat related illness:

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
• If you must be out in the heat, wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
• Stay well hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Avoid alcoholic beverages. (Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.)
• Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments.
• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors. Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin.
• Additional heat safety resources can be found on the health department website here.