Carroll County is responding to the threat of excessive heat and humidity by opening cooling centers to the public on Friday, August 2. These facilities will provide residents, particularly the vulnerable who lack proper shelter, with a respite from the sweltering conditions. The Carroll County Department of Citizen Services and the Carroll County Public Library are spearheading the effort to ensure citizens have a place to stay cool during the peak of the heatwave, according to Carroll County.

The centers will be open for temporary relief from the heat during regular business hours. The Citizen Services Office Building in Westminster, along with several senior and community centers scattered across the county, are some of the designated spots. Specific hours for these locations are provided, with doors welcoming visitors from 8 am to 3 pm.

In addition to government facilities, branches of the Carroll County Public Library System will also function as cooling centers. From 9 am to 5 pm, residents can access air conditioning and water fountains at locations including the Eldersburg and Finksburg branches, among others. Private and non-governmental organizations are also part of this collaborative effort to provide cooling spaces, such as the Human Services Programs Adult Only Homeless Shelter and the Carroll County Veterans Independence Project, albeit with varying operational hours. Essential amenities like air conditioning and water will be available for all who need them at these centers.

For those seeking further guidance or additional information on how to navigate the extreme weather conditions, the Carroll County Health Department's website serves as a valuable resource. Their tips on heat safety are accessible to anyone with internet access.