Code Red Air Quality Alert, Extreme Heat Warning in Effect for Carroll County

A "heat emergency" remains in effect Friday as the area heat index climbs to 114. 

The alert continues through tomorrow as the forecast calls for heat index values as high as 111. 

A code red air quality alert has been issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment, meaning air pollution concentration in the region have reached unhealthy levels. 

The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding outdoor activities. 

Carroll County has opened the following area cooling centers to the public today, offering a respite to the heat: 

Because of the high temperatures and humidity, the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services will operate six cooling centers around the county today. 

Residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat and who do not have air-conditioning in their homes are encouraged to cool off in any of the following locations until the close of business:

- Citizen Services Office Building: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

- Mount Airy Senior and Community Center: Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

- North Carroll Senior and Community Center: Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

- South Carroll Senior and Community Center: Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

- Taneytown Senior and Community Center: Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

- Westminster Senior and Community Center: Open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

- All branches of the Carroll County Public Library System: Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Grace Lutheran Church: Open from noon to 6 p.m. during Code Orange and Red days that fall on Sundays. 

Water will be available for those who need it at any of the cooling centers.

The Carroll County Emergency Management Division encourages people to slow down, reduce strenuous activities, wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing, eat fewer proteins, drink plenty of water and stay in air-conditioning.