February 13, 2015

Cold Weather Safety Reminders for People and Animals

Due to the current extremely cold temperatures and strong winds predicted to remain in the region through Monday, residents and visitors are reminded that:

There is always particular concern for the safety of children, senior citizens and homeless individuals during periods of extreme cold. Children engaged in outside activities should be carefully monitored by a responsible adult. Neighbors, friends or family members should check on senior citizens who live alone. Montgomery County provides a variety of sheltering locations for the homeless.

County facilities, such as libraries, recreation centers and senior centers are open during their regular hours for use by anyone needing an escape from the cold. Public shopping centers are also available as warm locations during their hours of operation.

Outreach program providers have attempted to encourage individuals who are homeless to seek shelter. All emergency and transitional shelters will allow homeless individuals to stay inside until temperatures increase, and/or return to a shelter early from daytime activity programs.

For additional information on County services contact MC311 by calling 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays, or through the www.MC311.com website address available 24/7.

Check the news release for details about conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite, plus outdoor and indoor safety, vehicle safety and care of animals.