Worcester County Offers Alternatives to “Beat the Heat”

With high temperatures forecast throughout the week, Worcester County Emergency Services urges residents to drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and take frequent breaks from stressful activities to avoid becoming dehydrated and overheated, which can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. 

The public is invited to escape the heat by visiting any of the five Worcester County branch libraries, located in Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke, as well as the Worcester County Recreation Center (WCRC) in Snow Hill during standard operating hours.

The WCRC is open Monday - Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and closed Sunday. Residents are invited to walk on the four-lane competitive track, join in a variety of sports, or simply relax on the retractable bleachers, which can comfortably accommodate up to 520 people. Call Recreation and Parks at 410-632-2144 or the Worcester County Library at (410) 632-2600 or visitwww.worcesterlibrary.org for hours of operation. 

Be aware that heat stroke and heat exhaustion are both serious conditions. Heatstroke, which is characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees, can develop quickly and is often accompanied by the following symptoms: dry, red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Heatstroke is treated by rapidly lowering the body temperature by a cool bath or wet towels. A heatstroke victim should be kept in a cool area; emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing 911.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke, and symptoms may include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, and headache, vomiting or fainting. Heat exhaustion can be treated by drinking plenty of liquids and resting in a cool, shaded area.