Columbia, MD – The US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington has extended the COLD WEATHER ADVISORY currently in effect for Howard County, now through 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025. The coldest conditions are expected Tuesday night (January 21st) with widespread wind chills of negative five degrees to negative 10 degrees (-5oF to -10oF) Fahrenheit. During the daytime, wind chills are only expected to reach the low teens.
Some of the dangers associated with winter weather include hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and injuries from heat sources. To protect yourself and your family in extreme cold weather follow the below tips:
- Cover your head. You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat through your head.
- Wear several layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. The air between the layers acts as insulation to keep you warmer.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect lungs from direct cold air. Cover your ears and the lower part of your face.
- Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves. The close contact of fingers helps keep your hands warm.
If you are in need of a warm space during the day, you can visit one of the following County’s Department of Recreation & Park community centers or Department of Community Resources and Service’s 50+ centers, or Howard County Library System branches:
- Gary J. Arthur Community Center – 2400 MD 97, Cooksville – Open until 9pm
- North Laurel Community Center – 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel – Open until 9:00 p.m.
- Roger Carter Community Center – 3000 Milltowne Dr., Ellicott City – Open until 10:00 p.m.
- Bain 50+ Center – 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia – Open until 7:30 p.m.
- East Columbia 50+ Center – 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia – Open until 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday) and 9:00 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday)
- Elkridge 50+ Center – 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge – Open until 7:30 p.m.
- Ellicott City 50+ Center – 9401 and 9411 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City – Open until 4:30 p.m.
- Glenwood 50+ Center – 2400 MD 97, Cooksville – Open until 4:30 p.m.
- North Laurel 50+ Center – 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel – Open until 4:30 p.m.
- Central branch – 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia – Open until 9:00 p.m.
- East Columbia branch – 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia – Open until 9:00 p.m.
- Elkridge branch, 6540 Washington Blvd, Elkridge – Open until 9:00 p.m.
- Glenwood branch – 2350 MD 97, Cooksville – Open until 9:00 p.m.
- Miller branch, 9421 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City – Open until 9:00 p.m.
- Savage branch, 9525 Durness L, Laurel – Open until 9:00 p.m.
If you are in need of shelter, call Grassroots Crisis Intervention at (410) 531-6677.
Be alert to other common winter hazards, including injuries from heat sources and carbon monoxide (CO). Space heaters should ALWAYS be plugged directly into a wall outlet (NEVER into an extension cord or surge protector) and at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Generators, camp stoves and grills/barbeques are NEVER safe to use indoors, this includes garages (even with the door open), basements or any other enclosed area. Generators should be placed in a well-ventilated location outdoors and at least 20 feet from your home or business so exhaust fumes cannot enter indoors through windows, doors or other openings. Go to www.cdc.gov/features/copoisoning/ for CO poisoning prevention tips.
Do not forget about pets. Howard County Police Department and Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center are urging residents to keep their pets indoors as much as possible. Animals that are housed outdoors must have access to appropriate shelter, bedding and an unfrozen water source at all times as required by Howard County law. Please keep in mind, these requirements are the bare minimum. The ASPCA has great tips for all of our four-legged family members. Visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips for more.
Vehicles should also contain a winter emergency kit to include items such as heavy blankets, water, nonperishable food, a flashlight and a snow shovel. More information about cold weather preparedness may be found at: emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/