Warming Centers to Open Saturday, January 24th through
Monday, January 26th
Westminster, MD (Thursday, January 22, 2026) – Due to the anticipated winter weather, Carroll County Department of Citizen Services and the Carroll County Public Library System will operate warming centers throughout the county. Warming centers will operate during regular business hours beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The following locations will be open for residents to seek shelter from the cold at any branch of the Carroll County Public Library System during regular business hours, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and 9:00 AM-8:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026:
- 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
The following locations will be open for residents to seek shelter from the cold at the following locations during regular business hours, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026:
- Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- 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
Additionally, Human Services Programs Adult Only Homeless Shelter, located at 127 Stoner Avenue, will be operating a warming center overnight beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM through Monday, January 26, 2026. If you are in need of shelter, please call (410) 386-6679.
In the event that Carroll County Government is closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, warming center operations will continue at the Human Services Programs Adult Only Homeless Shelter.
The Carroll County Department of Emergency Management and Communications 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.
- Ensure your food, water and medication supplies are stocked ahead of the winter weather.
- 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 US. 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/
Prepare Me Carroll is an interactive app designed to allow Carroll County, Maryland residents to access emergency information, alerts, and preparedness guidance on the go. This app is NOT meant to be used to report emergencies. If you experience an emergency please dial 911!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chris Swam
Communications
410-386-2043
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