The county will open the former Silver Spring library location today (July 20) as a cooling center in response to a declared heat emergency alert, according to a press release.
The building at 8901 Colesville Rd. will open at 11 a.m. Monday and close at 7 p.m.
In addition, the Silver Spring Civic Building has been designated a cooling center today as well, also from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Temperatures including the heat index are expected to reach or exceed 105 degrees for two days or more, triggering the alert.
The former library also will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m.
Masks will be required to enter the cooling sites and will be available on site if needed. People with a cough, fever or other symptoms may not visit the centers.
In addition, the county will enforce Executive Regulations 17-17, Anti Cruelty Conditions for Dogs and Other Pets during the heat emergency. Under the order, pets may not be left unattended in vehicles or outdoors; the penalty for violations is a $500 fine.
Among other safety tips, the county urges residents to:
- Stay indoors whenever possible
- Avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening
- Drink plenty of water, and
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
For more information, including additional cooling centers and signs of heart-related illnesses, see the heat emergency web page.
Graphic from Montgomery County web site