Public Health Preparedness Program
Mission: To prepare and respond to natural and man-made public health emergencies including, but not limited to:
- severe weather conditions
- bioterrorism
- disease outbreaks
- radiological/nuclear hazards
![flood, health worker in protective equipment, lightening, snowstorm](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/styles/image_560_x_408_/public/2022-03/EP%20Hero%20Image%203-2022.png?itok=ouUJOEd3)
Each month HCHD will bring you information and resources about different hazards and how to be prepared to respond.
![Hazard of the Month](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/styles/text_default/public/2022-03/EP%20Monthly%20Header%20Website%203-2022.png?itok=iHMbkYFb)
Hazard of the Month: Heat Safety Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Informed.
Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable.
![EP](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/styles/text_default/public/2024-06/Picture1.jpg?itok=7jn3I19E)
Weather Alerts and Codes
Check the forecast daily to be aware of any weather-related alerts in the area.
- Consider the heat index, which is a more accurate description of how hot it feels outside when other
factors such as humidity are added to high temperature.
- Heat index of 130°F or higher is extremely dangerous and will most likely cause heatstroke or sunstroke.
Stay Cool Indoors
- Use air conditioning and/or fans to keep your home cool.
- Use drapes, shades, and/or window reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
- Make sure rooms are well vented.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeinated, and sugary beverages because they cause dehydration.
- Eat light, cool, and easily digestible foods.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- In the event of a power outage, alert your service provider and have a plan for a nearby cool shelter. You could go to a friend’s place or visit your local mall or library if possible.
- Cooling centers with air conditioning and water may be opened in case of a heat emergency.
- During a power outage, keep your refrigerator closed.
- Once the power comes on, don’t forget to check your refrigerated and frozen foods, as they run the risk of spoiling.
- Have coolers and ice on hand in case of an emergency.
Stay Cool Outdoors & Informed when using a Vehicle in the heat
Heat safety is especially important outdoors. Some of the risks outside include heat stroke, dehydration, and skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In 2018, a total of 1,696 cases of melanoma were reported in Maryland.
- When working outdoors, wear lightweight, loose, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Minimize strenuous activities during times of the day when high heat is expected
- Use sunscreen, hats, parasols, cooling rags, portable fans, and other cooling devices when you are outside for extended periods of time. Ultraviolet rays (UV rays), which causes skin cancers like squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, tend to be the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible! Trees provide lots of natural shade. Tents and umbrellas are also good ways to create shade when you’re outside.
- Reapply your sunscreen according to the directions on the label. Look for sunscreens that say, “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection.”
- Keep food at proper temperatures when cooking outside or traveling. The use of ice, ice packs, and coolers can help.
- When using ice packs, make sure to follow the proper directions and discard any ice packs that are leaking or broken.
![Preventing hot car deaths](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/styles/text_default/public/2024-06/Picture4.jpg?itok=2FVJJ_U4)
Never leave a pet or person in a locked car. The temperature in a parked vehicle can rise very quickly.
- Open all windows when first turning on the air conditioning.
- Be careful when touching metal surfaces, such as seat belt buckles.
- Test surfaces before placing children in their car seats or booster seats.
- When possible, bring car seats and booster seats indoors to avoid overheating and deteriorating.
- Never leave children and pets in the car unattended, even with the windows cracked open.
- Use a windshield sunshade to keep your car’s interior temperature cooler. A dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 180 to over 200°F.
- Park in the shade and crack your windows whenever possible.
- Ensure proper car maintenance to avoid breakdowns on the road.
Be Prepared
Additional Resources
Heat/Sun Safety Tips
![Look Before You Lock hot car infographic](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/styles/text_default/public/2021-05/_images_wrn_Infographics_Heat-HotCarSeries-ChildSafety.png?itok=iyp98B2Q)
Extreme heat can be dangerous after long periods of exposure, if proper precautions are not taken.
To protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers posed by prolonged sun and heat exposure, follow the below tips:
- NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
- If you must be outside in the heat, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.
- Take frequent rest breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas if you must work or exercise outdoors. If possible, stay out of the sun during the middle of the day.
- Know the signs of heat-related illness, including: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, vomiting, fainting, dry/red skin.
- Check regularly on infants, elderly, family and neighbors with health conditions as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
- If planning a trip to the lake/beach/pool to cool off, be sure to review swim and water safety guidelines with your family and children
Additional Resources about Heat/Sun Safety:
- NHTSA Prevent Hot Car Deaths
- CDC Sun Safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics Drowning Prevention
- National Weather Service Heat Safety
- Heat.gov
Places to cool off on a hot day (contact location to verify operating hours before visiting)
- Howard County Library System Branches
- Howard County 50+ Centers
- Howard County Recreation & Parks Community Centers
- The Mall in Columbia
Anyone in need of shelter or other assistance should call the Grassroots hotline at 410-531-6677 or visit grassrootscrisis.org.
Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps
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How can YOU help in an emergency?
Become a Howard County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer
The Howard County Medical Reserve Corps (HCMRC) Program is volunteer organization created in July 2002. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers can be medical and public health professionals or community members with no healthcare background.
This organization prepares for and responds to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks.
The MRC also plans community health activities that promote healthy habits.
For more information or questions, contact Randell Young at 410-313-7237 or via email.
Request MRC Volunteers for your organization's public health event
Howard County MRC volunteers may be able to assist your organization with an upcoming event. Complete this request form to let us know what your needs are and you will receive a response within 72 hours from our team with the next steps. Submissions must be completed at least 2 weeks before the event. Questions should be emailed to hocomrc@howardcountymd.gov.
Criteria to qualify for MRC assistance:
- The requesting agency provides a service which promotes or supports public health initiatives in Howard County.
- The event for which assistance is being sought does not conflict with other planned HCMRC activities.
- The requesting agency’s mission may not conflict with the mission of the HCHD, or the HC MRC.
Examples of Public Health Initiatives:
- Health Fairs
- School-based flu vaccinations
- Outreach initiatives
- Community education
At A Glance Emergency Contact Information
Howard County Health Department
Phone: 410-313-6300
Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Phone: 410-767-6500
After Hours Emergency: 410-795-7365
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
Phone: 410-517-3600
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Phone: 800-232-4636
Hazards of the Month
January Hazard: New Year, New Year, Take Action and Prepare
February Hazard: Power Outage Safety
April Hazard: Flood Preparedness
June Hazard: Thunder, Lightning, Hurricanes, & Tornadoes
August Hazard: Back to School Preparedness
September Hazard: Personal & Home Preparedness
October Hazard: Outdoor Awareness
November Hazard: Nuclear & Radiological Preparedness
December Hazard: Winter Weather Preparedness