Westminster, December 14, 2016 – The National Weather Service is forecasting extremely low temperatures along with the possibility of low wind chill values for Carroll County over the next two days. Due to this anticipated cold weather, Warming Centers will be available throughout Carroll County on both Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16, 2016. Carroll County’s Department of Citizen Services will operate six warming centers around the County, and Carroll County Public Library branches will also be open and available to anyone in need of a warm place. All residents who are vulnerable to extreme cold and who do not have sufficient heat in their homes are encouraged to seek warmth in any of the following locations until the close of business:

Warming centers are open during regular business hours at County Senior Centers and the Department of Citizen Services.

·         Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8 AM - 5 PM, Mon. - Fri)

·         Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon. - Fri)

·         North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon. - Fri)

·         South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon. - Fri)

·         Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon. - Fri)

·         Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster (8 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon. - Fri)

 All branches of the Carroll County Public Library System will also be open as warming centers during regular business hours, Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 8:45 PM; Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 

• Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg (also open Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 PM)
• Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
• Mt. Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy
• North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown
• Westminster Branch, 50 East Main Street, Westminster (also open Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 PM)

Additional options for keeping warm are available during the day:

• On Our Own (410-751-6600) provides a community center at 265 East Main Street, Westminster from 7:00- 10:00 AM and 3:00-6:30 PM on Thursday and 7:00-10:00 AM and 1:00-6:30 PM on Friday.  
• Stores, malls, restaurants
• Churches
• Neighbor's home

 For after-hours cold shelter needs: Human Services Programs (HSP) of Carroll County, Inc. operates a Cold Weather Shelter at 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster overnight from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM during the cold weather season. Information about the Cold Weather Shelter can be obtained by calling 410-857-8473. In times when overflow spaces is needed, HSP has partnered with the Westminster Rescue Mission to provide transportation to a limited number of alternative overnight accommodations. 

The Carroll County Department of Public Safety - Emergency Management encourages people to follow these safety tips when temperatures are extremely cold:

• Minimize outside activities, particularly among the elderly and very young. Check on family members and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the cold.
• Pets are also sensitive to the cold; remember to consider your pets’ needs when planning outside activities.
• Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Wear a hat and mittens/gloves to stay warmer.
• Be aware of frostbite. If a part of the body loses feeling and the skin feels waxy or looks white or grey, warm gently and seek medical help.
• Watch out for hypothermia. Shivering, memory loss, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness are all warning signs. Seek medical attention for signs of hypothermia.
• Use caution when heating your home. For tips on how to safely use space heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves and refer to the U.S. Fire Administration’s home heating safety handout.
• If using a space heater, be aware of the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

For more information on local cold weather resources, including energy assistance, visit the Carroll County Health Department cold weather webpage