Extreme Heat Alert Issued for Howard Co. Thursday and Friday

Howard County health officer Dr. Peter Beilenson issued an extreme health alert Thursday, calling for residents to take measures to prevent heat-related illness in outdoor temperatures that will feel 100 degrees or higher.

The alert is in effect Thursday and Friday.

The heat index in Howard County could reach as high as 107 Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Howard County Health Department website advises anyone in need of cooler shelter should use Howard County’s senior centers or libraries. For a list of locations near you, click here.

The health department offers the following tips to prevent heat illness:

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.

• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors who live alone.

• If possible, stay out of the sun during the hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Increase your fluid intake; drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids.

• Be aware of the warning signs of heat-related illness, such as light-headedness, mild nausea or confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating.

As with any other emergency, citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat-related emergency.

For more information about heat-related illness and how to prevent it, click here.

Maryland Access Point of Howard County (MAP) will give further assistance with excessive heat issues and may be reached by calling 410-313-5980.

The Howard County Police Department will not be holding its Community Athletic Program outdoors at Harper’s Choice Village Center. Instead, Thursday's activities will be held at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel.

, which is funded with an anti-gang grant from the U.S. Attorney’s office, sends police to at-risk areas for crime to provide activities for area youths. It will not operate Friday due to forecasted heat.