Due to the excessive heat forecast for Thursday, July 21st and Friday, July 22nd the Department of Community Services will be opening their buildings for use by the general public from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The buildings include: Kent Island Senior Center, Grasonville Senior Center, Kramer Center, and Sudlersville Senior Center. Each building is air conditioned and has ice machines and water readily available. Regularly scheduled classes and programs will proceed as normal; however, accommodations will be made for those in the community who are in need of a cool retreat for those days. Please contact this department at 410-758-0848 if you are aware of any vulnerable citizens who do not have access to a cool environment or transportation to get to one.

The following information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating just isn’t enough. Your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness. Most heat illnesses occur from staying out in the heat too long. Exercising too much for your age and physical condition are also factors. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. Drinking fluids, replenishing salt and minerals and limiting time in the heat can help.

Heat-related illnesses include
• Heatstroke – a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in minutes; symptoms include dry skin, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness
• Heat exhaustion – an illness that can precede heatstroke; symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse
• Heat cramps – muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise
• Heat rash – skin irritation from excessive sweating

For additional heat safety & preparedness information, visit the following website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml and call 911 in the event of an emergency! Stay safe and cool!