How to Beat the Heat

With weather like this, who needs E. coli? While our friends across the pond are dealing with a major health crisis today, Metro area residents are battling a crisis of heat. No joke.

There’s However, the National Weather Service is also calling for hazardous weather this afternoon, including thunderstorms that could become severe.

Prince George’s County has re-opened six cooling centers around the county for a second day. There will be two centers open exclusively for seniors and four for the general public.

Cooling centers open for seniors at the following locations:

• New Carrolton Municipal Center, 6016 Princess Garden Parkway (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)  

• Camp Springs Senior Center, 6420 Allentown Road (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Cooling centers open for general public at the following locations from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• Fairland Regional Park, 14110 Old Gunpowder Road, Laurel

• Rollingcrest Community Center, 6120 Sargent Road, Chillum

• Palmer Park Community Center, 7720 Barlowe Road, Landover

• Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Hillcrest Heights

The PGC OHS recommends the following tips:

Elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses can dehydrate more easily and are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. You might want to check on relatives, friends and neighbors just to be on the safe side.

Your best protection is to stay well hydrated. Sweating allows heat to evaporate from your skin’s surface. If you become dehydrated, it is more difficult for your body to maintain a safe temperature. The best thing to drink is water. Gatorade or other sports drinks are also good. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.

Limit heavy exertion when high levels of heat and humidity are present. High humidity levels make it more difficult for your body to dissipate heat. And hey, we’re in swampland so it’s even humid in the winter. Don’t try to deny it.

• Sit in air conditioning.

• Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing.

• Take frequent rest breaks in the air conditioning or shade.

• Eat smaller meals, more often.

• Spend time at local pools or take cool baths.

• Make sure pets have access to water and shade. You might want to walk dogs earlier in the morning when it’s cooler.

Prince George’s County first responders have been put on alert for an increase in heat-related response calls.