UPDATED – Water, Cooling and Refreshing Stations Available Locally as Excessive Heat Expected

We are in the season of hot temperatures and increasing humidity.

As heat indices rise, please keep the following information in mind:

Locally, there are established water station sites in Hagerstown at:
💧 The Hope Center, 125 N. Prospect St.
💧 Horizon Goodwill Industries, 200 N. Prospect St.
💧 Potomac Community Services Homeless Outreach, 29 E. Washington St.

Water stations may be indoors during business hours and outdoors after hours.

Cooling and Refreshing Stations are available to anyone in need of cooling down, using the restroom or getting a drink of water/filling up a water bottle. Please get to one of these locations and get out of the heat:

→ John Wesley United Methodist Church courtyard entrance, Saturdays starting July 26 through August, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
→ Drop-in centers and soup kitchens listed here
→ REACH’s Day Resource Center, M-Th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
→ Potomac Community Services Homeless Outreach, M-F, 8 a.m.-Noon & 1-4 p.m.
→ Soul Haven/Office of Consumer Advocates, M-F, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
→ Horizon Goodwill YASC, M-F, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
→ The Hope Center/Rescue Mission, daily
→ Washington County Free Library locations throughout the county
→ Robinwood Professional Center’s Atrium, 11110 Medical Campus Road, M-F, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. – Tables/chairs, water, restrooms and Wi-Fi
→ Valley Mall, 17301 Valley Mall Road

To learn more on excessive heat preparedness, visit https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/emerg-prep/extreme-heat/

Image: Illustration of two visitors and one employee at a library; logos from FEMA and Ready.gov and website for more info: ready.gov/heat. Text: When Temps Rise Outside, Get Inside! Head somewhere like a shopping mall or library with AC to #BeattheHeat.

Here are important tips for staying safe when the heat is extreme from the Maryland Department of Health –

When the heat index is high, stay indoors as much as possible.
Move to the lower floors of your building.
Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of the day, before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Wear light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Drink plenty of water before starting any outdoor activity.
During outdoor activities, take frequent breaks and drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
NEVER leave infants, pets, children, or the elderly inside a parked car.
Dress infants and children in cool, loose-fitting clothing and shade their face with a hat or umbrella.
Fans will not prevent a heat-related illness. Take a cool shower or bath or move to a room with air conditioning.
Check on adults you know that are at-risk for heat-related illness at least twice a day.
Constantly monitor children for signs of heat-related illnesses.
Apply sunscreen of SPF15 or higher at least 30 minutes prior to heading out. Continue to apply as the package directs. The most effective products are those that say “Broad Spectrum” or “UVA/UVB Protection” on their labels.
Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes and face in the sun.
Reduce caffeine intake from beverages including coffee, tea, cola, and other heavily caffeinated beverages. Avoid drinking certain types of beverages: Alcoholic beverages and drinks that are high in sugar; Very cold drinks, as they can cause stomach cramps.
Avoid eating hot foods or heavy meals as they add heat to your body.

Image: Half of page with orange background and half with red. One side represents Heat Exhaustion; the other Heat Stroke. Illustration of human being. Text includes list of signs for each. List of steps to take at the bottom, including Call 9-1-1.