HEAT ADVISORY AND EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY

HEAT ADVISORY AND EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FOR WICOMICO COUNTY

(July 19, 2019, Salisbury, MD) As temperatures soar into the triple digits this weekend, the Wicomico County Health Department urges residents to be aware of the weather advisories, watches, and warnings affecting the area. As of 9:00 a.m. today, the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory and an Excessive Heat Watch for Wicomico County.

A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index (how hot it feels when air temperature and humidity combine) is predicted to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher during the day or when we have four days of a heat index of 95-99 degrees. Under Heat Advisories there is a high risk of heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

An Excessive Heat Watch means that a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures is possible within 48 hours.

An Excessive Heat Warning means a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures (heat index greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 3 hours during the day or if the heat index is greater than 115 degrees for any period of time) is expected within 24 hours. Under an Excessive Heat Warning there is an extremely high risk of heat-related illness.

COOLING CENTERS IN WICOMICO COUNTY

Wicomico Youth and Civic Center - DaNang Room, 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD 21804

·         Open Friday July 19^th to Monday July 22^nd from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

·          No pets are permitted

·         Residents will need to bring their own food, beverages, and medications

MAC Senior Center - 909 Progress Circle, Suite 200, Salisbury, MD 21804

·         Open to individuals over the age of 50 who need shelter from extreme heat

·         Open Friday July 19^th and Monday July 22^nd from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (regular business hours)

·         Open Saturday July 20^th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 Residents of Wicomico County should take precautions to prevent heat-related illness during this period of high temperature.

·         Drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages

·         Stay indoors. Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, libraries, and public places

·         Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.

·         If outdoors, schedule frequent water breaks and drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 oz.) of fluid each hour

·         Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes

·         Take cool baths or showers

·         Limit use of the stove or oven

·         Bring pets indoors

For more information on local cooling centers, please visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram (WicomicoHealth) or Twitter (@WicomicoHealth).