Emergency Preparedness

Public Health Preparedness Program

Mission: To prepare and respond to natural and man-made public health emergencies including, but not limited to:

severe weather conditions
bioterrorism
disease outbreaks
radiological/nuclear hazards

Medical Reserve Corps-Volunteer or Request Volunteers

flood, health worker in protective equipment, lightening, snowstorm

Each month HCHD will bring you information and resources about different hazards and how to be prepared to respond.

Hazard of the Month: Heat Safety: Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Informed.

Weather Alerts and Codes

Know the heat index - Heat index of 130°F or higher is extremely dangerous and will most likely cause heatstroke or sunstroke.
Extreme Heat Warning – issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen.
Extreme Heat Watch – issued when dangerous heat is possible.
Check out the National Weather Service’s

Howard County is aware of risk profile and likelihood analysis and plans for extreme temperature situations.

Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.

Last summer, there were 26 heat-related deaths reported in Maryland. Let’s keep you safe and cool this summer. Here are some safety tips to beat the heat this summer.

Stay Cool Indoors

Use air conditioning and/or fans to keep yourself cool.
Use drapes, shades, and/or window reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
Make sure the rooms are well vented.
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeinated, and sugary beverages because they cause dehydration.
Eat light, cool, and easily digestible foods.
Take cool showers or baths.
In the event of a power outage, alert your service provider and have a plan for a nearby cool shelter. You could go to a friend’s place or visit your local mall or library if possible.
- Cooling centers with air conditioning and water may be opened in case of a heat emergency.
- During a power outage, keep your refrigerator closed.
  - Once the power comes on, don’t forget to check your refrigerated and frozen foods, as they run the risk of spoiling.
Have coolers and ice on hand in case of an emergency.

Stay Cool Outdoors & Informed when using a Vehicle in the heat

Heat safety and skin protection are especially important outdoors. Some of the risks outside include heat stroke, dehydration, and skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. According to the Report Card of Community Health Indicators (December 2023), melanoma cancer incidence rates are increasing in Howard County and Maryland.

When working outdoors, wear lightweight, loose, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Check out tips for hot weather health issues and concerns.
Minimize strenuous activities during times of the day when high heat is expected
Use sunscreen, hats, parasols, cooling rags, portable fans, and other cooling devices when you are outside for extended periods of time. Ultraviolet rays (UV rays), which causes skin cancers like squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, tend to be the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.

Keep food at proper temperatures when cooking outside or traveling. The use of ice, ice packs, and coolers can help.
- When using ice packs, make sure to follow the proper directions and discard any ice packs that are leaking or broken.

Never leave a pet or person in a locked car. The temperature in a parked vehicle can rise very quickly.

Open all windows when first turning on the air conditioning.
Be careful when touching metal surfaces, such as seat belt buckles.
Test surfaces before placing children in their car seats or booster seats.
- When possible, bring car seats and booster seats indoors to avoid overheating and deteriorating.
Never leave children and pets in the car unattended, even with the windows cracked open.
Use a windshield sunshade to keep your car’s interior temperature cooler. A dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 180 to over 200°F.
Park in the shade and crack your windows whenever possible.
Ensure proper car maintenance to avoid breakdowns on the road.

Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Maryland Department of Health – Office of Preparedness and Response – Extreme Heat Resources

United States Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Heat Illness Prevention

American Red Cross – Extreme Heat Preparedness Checklist

American Red Cross – Extreme Heat Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Prevent Hot Car Deaths

National Association of County Health Officials (NACCHO) – Heat Action Day 2025: Recognizing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

National Weather Service: Heat Information

Be Prepared

Let's Get Started

General Preparedness Information

Extreme Hot and Cold Weather Conditions

Hurricanes, Storms and Floods

Influenza (Flu)

Zika Resources

Bioterrorism Agents & Diseases

Additional Resources

Heat/Sun Safety Tips

Look Before You Lock hot car infographic

Extreme heat can be dangerous after long periods of exposure, if proper precautions are not taken.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers posed by prolonged sun and heat exposure, follow the below tips:

NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
If you must be outside in the heat, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.
Take frequent rest breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas if you must work or exercise outdoors. If possible, stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
Know the signs of heat-related illness, including: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, vomiting, fainting, dry/red skin.
Check regularly on infants, elderly, family and neighbors with health conditions as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
If planning a trip to the lake/beach/pool to cool off, be sure to review swim and water safety guidelines with your family and children

Additional Resources about Heat/Sun Safety:

Places to cool off on a hot day (contact location to verify operating hours before visiting)

Anyone in need of shelter or other assistance should call the Grassroots hotline at 410-531-6677 or visit grassrootscrisis.org.

Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps

How can YOU help in an emergency?
Become a Howard County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer

The Howard County Medical Reserve Corps (HCMRC) Program is volunteer organization created in July 2002. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers can be medical and public health professionals or community members with no healthcare background.

This organization prepares for and responds to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks.

The MRC also plans community health activities that promote healthy habits.

For more information or questions, contact Randell Young at 410-313-7237 or via email.

Request MRC Volunteers for your organization's public health event

Howard County MRC volunteers may be able to assist your organization with an upcoming event. Complete this request form to let us know what your needs are and you will receive a response within 72 hours from our team with the next steps. Submissions must be completed at least 2 weeks before the event. Questions should be emailed to hocomrc@howardcountymd.gov.

Criteria to qualify for MRC assistance:

The requesting agency provides a service which promotes or supports public health initiatives in Howard County.
The event for which assistance is being sought does not conflict with other planned HCMRC activities.
The requesting agency’s mission may not conflict with the mission of the HCHD, or the HC MRC.

Examples of Public Health Initiatives: