Anne Arundel County will open warming shelters for residents Saturday night as temperatures plunge.
The National Weather Service predicts wind chill temperatures around 19 degrees throughout the overnight hours. And pet owners who don't keep their animals out of the cold face a fine from county officials.
Warming centers will be open Saturday at 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. Sunday, according to the county health department.
The Anne Arundel County Police will designate District Station Community Rooms at these locations as warming centers:
Northern District: 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore
Eastern District: 204 Pasadena Rd, Pasadena
Western District: 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton
Southern District: 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater
All centers are accessible and have water and restroom facilities.
Medical care is not available and anyone experiencing or observing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Pets are not allowed in any warming centers.
Accommodations will be made for service animals. Children must be accompanied by an adult always.
The Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to use caution during extremely cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to properly handle it.
Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) can be accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse.
Watch for changes in levels of consciousness and motor coordination, indicated by stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles.
