With the heat index expected to reach 105 degrees on Tuesday, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department, said they will use local libraries as cooling centers for people who need to get out of the heat or don't have air conditioning.
All Harford County Public Libraries will serve as cooling centers for the public's use during their normal business hours Tuesday.
The Bel Air Library is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Darlington Library is open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. All other locations are open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The branch locations of Harford County Public Library are as follows:
• Aberdeen – 21 Franklin Street;
• Abingdon – 2510 Tollgate Road;
• Bel Air – 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave.;
• Darlington – 1134 Main St.;
• Edgewood – 629 Edgewood Road;
• Fallston – 1461 Fallston Road;
• Havre de Grace – 203 Market St.,
• Jarrettsville – 3722 Norrisville Road;
• Joppa – 655 Towne Center Drive;
• Norrisville – 5310 Norrisville Road;
• Whiteford – 2407 Whiteford Road;
According to the Harford County Health Department, heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke.
Heat stroke is an advanced form of heat stress that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature.
A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma.
Persons with any of these symptoms, especially older adults, should receive immediate medical attention.