Harford bakes under heat advisory

The National Weather Service has placed Harford County under a heat advisory that runs through at least Sunday. The Harford County Health Department has published a list of places residents can go to get out of the heat.

What’s Happening: Cooling centers are open across the county, but options are limited Friday through Sunday because of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Harford County Public Libraries are open today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. but are closed Friday through Sunday. Harford Mall in Bel Air is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What’s Important: Hours and availability can change. The health department advises residents to call locations directly before visiting to confirm they are open and have space.

How This Affects Real People: Residents without air conditioning at home have fewer options Friday through Sunday, when several cooling centers are closed for the holiday.

Cooling centers open today, Thursday, July 2:

• Harford County Public Libraries, multiple locations, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Voices of Hope Harford, 7 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, Aberdeen, noon to 6 p.m.
• Fortify by LASOS, 1819 Suite D Pulaski Highway, Edgewood, (410) 836-0333, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Salvation Army, 300 Seneca Ave., Havre de Grace, (410) 939-3535, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cooling centers open Friday, July 3:

• Voices of Hope Harford, 7 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, Aberdeen, noon to 6 p.m.
• People Inspiring People, 3709 Pulaski Highway, Unit 8, Abingdon, (443) 402-0185, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dr. Melissa Derisca Enterprise, 2809 Pulaski Highway, Suite F, Edgewood, (667) 466-1176, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (accessible via Blue Line bus route)
• Fortify by LASOS, 1819 Suite D Pulaski Highway, Edgewood, (410) 836-0333, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Salvation Army, 300 Seneca Ave., Havre de Grace, (410) 939-3535, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cooling centers open Saturday, July 4:

• Voices of Hope Harford, 7 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, Aberdeen, noon to 6 p.m.
• People Inspiring People, 3709 Pulaski Highway, Unit 8, Abingdon, (443) 402-0185, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dr. Melissa Derisca Enterprise, 2809 Pulaski Highway, Suite F, Edgewood, (667) 466-1176, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Salvation Army, 300 Seneca Ave., Havre de Grace, (410) 939-3535, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cooling centers open Sunday, July 5:

• Voices of Hope Harford, 7 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, Aberdeen, noon to 6 p.m.

Know the signs: Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. Move to a cool place and drink water. Seek medical attention if symptoms last more than one hour or get worse. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms include a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot red skin, confusion, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately.

The Path Forward: The health department says cooling center hours and availability are subject to change. Residents should call ahead before visiting any location.