The Dorchester County health officer has extended the county’s Extreme Cold Plan activation through Friday.
The overnight wind chill is expected to be in single digits throughout the week and may hit as low as 0 degrees early Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
These extremely cold temperatures are dangerous and pose serious health risks, especially for those exposed to the cold for long periods.
“Stay inside if you can, dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves, watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite, and check on older neighbors, families with small kids, and those struggling to heat their homes,” Dr. Casey Scott, Dorchester County’s health officer, said.
If you or someone you know does not have heat, please call the Dorchester Temporary Shelter at 443-477-2219.
The shelter — located at 200 Washington St. in Cambridge — is the primary overnight shelter in Dorchester County.
The shelter needs volunteers to work as daytime or overnight monitors. If you want to help, please sign up to join the health department’s Maryland Responds volunteer unit at https://health.maryland.gov/
Daytime Warming Shelters
• The county’s public library branches operate as daytime warming shelters during each location’s normal business hours.
• The Cambridge Branch is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Wednesday and from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.
• The Hurlock Branch is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Wednesday and from 11 am to 7 pm, Thursday. Closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Check their websites and social media pages for any weather-related closings.
Stay Updated
For the latest information, check out the websites and/or social media accounts of these agencies:
• Dorchester County Health Department
• Dorchester County Emergency Management
• Dorchester County Government
• National Weather Service
• Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM)
The Extreme Cold Plan is activated when temperatures, including wind chill, are expected to be 13 degrees or lower. During these conditions, the risk of cold-related injuries increases, and prolonged exposure poses serious health risks and may be life threatening.