Harford County under heat advisory Wednesday and Thursday

Harford County residents face dangerous heat Wednesday and Thursday, with the National Weather Service issuing a heat advisory for both days. Several cooling centers across the county will be open for anyone who needs a place to get out of the heat.

Where to cool off: Several locations are open during the advisory, with hours varying by site:

• Harford County Public Libraries: Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• People Inspiring People, 3709 Pulaski Hwy, Unit 8, Abingdon: Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (443) 402-0185.
• Fortify by LASOS, 1819 Pulaski Hwy, Suite D, Edgewood: Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: (410) 836-0333.
• Salvation Army, 300 Seneca Ave, Havre de Grace: Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: (410) 939-3535.
• Voices of Hope, 7 Aberdeen Shopping Plaza, Aberdeen: Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m.

Harford Mall, 696 Belair Rd, Bel Air, is also open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cooling center hours can change. Call ahead to confirm availability before going.

Know the warning signs: Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and cool or pale skin. Move to a cool place and drink water. If symptoms last more than an hour or get worse, get medical help.

Heat stroke is more serious and can be deadly. Signs include a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot red skin, confusion, a fast pulse, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately.

What to do at home: Health officials recommend drinking water throughout the day even if you do not feel thirsty, staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing. Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked car.

If the power goes out, move to an air-conditioned location if possible. Run any generators outside and away from windows and doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

The path forward: The advisory covers Wednesday, July 15, and Thursday, July 16.