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Cold Weather Shelter to Expand Hours on Saturday and Sunday

Westminster, MD, Thursday, December 22, 2022 – The National Weather Service is forecasting frigid temperatures and low wind chills for Carroll County on December 24^th and 25^th. Due to this anticipated cold weather, Human Services Programs (HSP) of Carroll County, Inc. will expand the hours of the Night by Night Shelter at 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster on Saturday and Sunday. The Night by Night Shelter will open at its regular time of 7:00 PM on Friday, December 23^rd and remain open until 8:00 AM on Monday, December 26^th. Contact the shelter at 410-386-6679 for more information.

Residents who are vulnerable to extreme cold or who do not have sufficient heat in their homes are encouraged to seek warmth at the Night by Night Shelter throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. The Night by Night Shelter will return to its regular, daily operating hours of 7:00 PM until 8:00 AM beginning on Monday evening.

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, and woodstoves, 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 or check out the Carroll County Health Department on Facebook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chris Winebrenner

410-386-2043

The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or who has a complaint should contact The Department of Citizen Services, 410.386.3600 or 1.888.302.8978 or MD Relay 7-1-1/1.800.735.2258 or email ada@carrollcountymd.gov as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event.