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
Each month HCHD will bring you information and resources about different hazards and how to be prepared to respond.
July: Heat Safety
Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Informed.
According to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System our summers are getting hotter. Increasing summer temperatures put people at high risk of heat-related illnesses and death, impacts are preventable with planning, education, and action.
Understanding Temperature and Heat Alerts
- Extreme Heat Watch – Extreme Heat Watch –Be Prepared! Conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event, but timing and occurrence are uncertain. Plan to limit outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, identify the nearest cooling shelter or arrange to stay with family or friends who do.
- Extreme Heat Warning – Take Action! Extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Drink plenty of water, rest in the shade, and stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible. Check on family, neighbors, and vulnerable individuals.
- Understanding Heat Risk – This helps you understand how hot it feels and how it can harm your health.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body cannot properly cool itself, especially during prolonged heat and humidity. Illnesses range from mild (heat cramps) to life-threatening (heat exhaustion and heat stroke). For more resources: Extreme Heat
People at increased risk include:
- older adults
- infants and young children
- pregnant individuals
- individuals with chronic illnesses
Recognize the warning signs and take preventive steps to protect yourself and others. For additional guidance, see the Maryland Department of Health hot-weather tips.
Outdoor heat safety and skin protection are essential.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.
- Use sunscreen, hats, parasols, cooling towels, and portable fans.
- Limit strenuous activities during peak heat hours.
- Ultraviolet rays (UV rays) cause skin cancers and are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
- UV Safety Tips:
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Choose water-resistant sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can cause dehydration.
- Have a backup plan for power outages, that includes a place to staying with friends, visiting a mall, library, or going to a cooling center.
- Use air conditioning and fans to stay cool.
- Close blinds, drapes, or window reflectors to block heat from entering your home.
- During a power outage, keep your refrigerator closed. Once power returns, check refrigerated and frozen foods for signs of spoilage.
Be Prepared
Additional Resources
How can YOU help in an emergency?
Become a Public Health Hero - Join the Howard County Medical Reserve Corps
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.
Howard County Health Department
Phone: 410-313-6300
After Hours: 410-313-2200
Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Phone: 410-767-6500
Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM)
Phone: 410-517-3600
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:
- NHTSA Prevent Hot Car Deaths
- CDC Sun Safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics Drowning Prevention
- National Weather Service Heat Safety
- Heat.gov
- Heat Emergency Awareness: Hot Weather Tips and Heat-Related Illnesses
Places to cool off on a hot day (contact location to verify operating hours before visiting)
- Howard County Library System Branches
- Howard County 50+ Centers
- Howard County Recreation & Parks Community Centers
- The Mall in Columbia
- Map of Howard County Cooling Centers
Anyone in need of shelter or other assistance should call the Grassroots hotline at 410-531-6677 or visit grassrootscrisis.org(opens in a new window).