Wicomico County Officials Respond to Severe Cold Weather Threats

Salisbury, MD - “Wicomico County officials are monitoring the severe cold weather currently gripping the area, which is expected to continue into the near future,” says County Executive Bob Culver. “We want county residents to know what resources and actions are available to them to stay safe,” Culver continues. Officials remind residents to:

· Call 211 to find out about available resources for people without heat or who are homeless.

· Dress warmly and in layers whenever going outside, and limit time outside.

· Exercise caution when using space heaters and fireplaces to avoid house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and do not use ovens or grills to heat inside.

Wicomico County Health Department Health Officer Lori Brewster states, “If staying warm at home is an issue, or if you are homeless, go to public buildings such as shopping centers and libraries during business hours to get relief from the cold.”

Aaron Balsamo, Director of the Humane Society of Wicomico County, adds, “Bring animals inside and provide them fresh water and extra food during this extreme weather.”

County officials will be monitoring for power outages and will open warming centers should the need arise.

For more information about cold weather safety and local shelters, visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org, our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter @WicomicoHealth.