--- PRESS RELEASE ---

For Immediate Release

Warming Centers to Open Thursday and Friday

Westminster, MD, Wednesday, December 4, 2024 – Carroll County will open warming centers at various locations and times starting Wednesday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, December 7, at 7:00 a.m., in response to forecasted low temperatures, gusty winds, and potential snow showers.

Unless otherwise specified, residents who are vulnerable to extreme cold temperatures and do not have adequate shelter are encouraged to warm up between the hours of 8:00am – 4:00pm on Thursday and Friday in the following locations:

• Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8:00am – 5:00pm)

• Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy
• North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg
• Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown
• Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster

Residents can also seek shelter from the cold at any branch of the Carroll County Public Library, on Thursday, December 5^th from 9:00am-8:00pm and on Friday, December 6^th from 9:00am-5:00pm.

• Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg
• Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
• 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

Human Services Programs adult only, Night by Night Shelter, located at 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster will operate as a warming center beginning Wednesday, December 4^th at 7:00pm until Saturday, December 7^th at 8:00am.

The Carroll County Veterans Independence Project (CCVIP), at 95 Carroll St., Suite 104 will extend hours on Thursday, December 5^th and serve as a warming center from 9:00am-8:00pm. CCVIP will also be open on Friday, from 9:00am-1:00pm.

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 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 additional information, visit the Carroll County Health Department website at: https://cchd.maryland.gov/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christine Cambareri
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.