(July 25, 2016) With heat indices through Saturday expected to range from 95 to 105, the public is invited to escape the heat by visiting the Worcester County Recreation Center (WCRC) in Snow Hill as well as any of the five Worcester County branch libraries in Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Senior citizens over the age of 55 may also seek relief from the heat at any of the four Worcester County Senior Centers, which are located in Ocean City, Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke, 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., and closed Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call Recreation and Parks at 410-632-2144.
For library branch hours of operation, contact the Worcester County Library closest to you or visit www.worcesterlibrary.org.
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 cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Be aware that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious conditions.
Heat cramps are painful spasms that usually occur in leg and abdomen muscles and are accompanied by heavy sweating. Administer first aid by placing firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gently massage to relieve spasms. Give an individual suffering with heat cramps small sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
Heat exhaustion is a mild form of heatstroke. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea and headache, vomiting or fainting. Heat exhaustion can be treated by drinking liquids and resting in a cool, shaded area.
Heatstroke is a severe medical emergency characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. It can develop quickly and is often accompanied by dry, red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. The victim should be kept in a cool area, and emergency medical care should be obtained immediately by dialing 911. Delaying assistance can be fatal.
Worcester County cooling stations announced
