Cooling Center in Wicomico County to Open TODAY TUESDAY, July 3, 2018

A cooling center will be opened at the Wicomico County Civic Center (DaNang Room) on TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Civic Center is located at 500 Glen Avenue Salisbury, MD 21804. Residents will need to bring their own food, beverages, and medications. No pets are permitted. Anyone needing transportation to the Civic Center should call Shore Transit at 443-260-2300 (select “dispatch” option).

The MAC Inc., Senior Center will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a cooling center for residents ages 55 and over. MAC is located at 909 Progress Circle, Salisbury, MD 21804.

Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, and those persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at increased risk for a heat related illness.   A heat-related illness can become life-threatening very quickly.  The Wicomico County Health Department urges everyone to practice these stay cool safety tips:

• Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, libraries and public places.  Stay indoors.

• Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm.

• Take a cool bath or shower.

• Minimize direct exposure to the sun, if you must be outdoors, seek shade.

• Stay hydrated – regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids.

• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.

• Limit using the stove or oven to keep the house cooler.

• Check on others; co-workers, the elderly, and those living alone.

• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes.

• Bring pets indoors.  If they must remain outside make sure they have shade and plenty of clean, fresh water.

For additional information about cooling centers in Wicomico County, call 211. For more information on heat and summer safety, visit the Wicomico County Health Department website at www.wicomicohealth.org and follow @WicomicoHealth on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.

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Tammy L. Griffin, MCHES

Director of Planning and Population Health

Wicomico Behavioral Health Authority

Prevention and Health Communications

Wicomico County Health Department

108 East Main Street

Salisbury, MD 21801

443.880-1418 (c)

410-219-7480 (w)

Wicomico County is dependent upon barges utilizing the Wicomico River to deliver fuel to the distributors whose facilities are located on the river.  However, at times like these, when the river is frozen, we still have the responsibility to make certain adequate fuel is available.  This week it became necessary to call for help from the State of Maryland and the U.S. Coast Guard. Yesterday, the Chock, a Coast Guard Ice Breaker, made a path in the frozen Wicomico River to make it possible for a barge to make a delivery at the fuel depot.

The County is grateful to the U. S. Coast Guard for their help with this situation.

On January 1, 2018, a nor’easter was predicted to hit the lower Eastern Shore but not be significant.  Unfortunately, as conditions changed, it became a true blizzard for our area.  Wicomico County was one of the hardest hit counties in Maryland due to its location just a little inward from the coast.

As the week progressed so did the forecast for total snow accumulation as well as the call for extremely high winds. On Wednesday January 8^th, the prediction was increased to blizzard-level conditions.  It became necessary on Wednesday night for me to declare a State of Emergency for Wicomico County.  Later, Governor Hogan declared a State of Emergency for all the Lower Shore Counties.

The amount of snow and winds hampered the total clearing of many roads but the Public Works Department, led by the Roads Division, has done a superb job under difficult conditions and challenges.  The dry snow, combined with the strong wind gusts, created snow drifts and frequently covered the recently plowed roads. Under the circumstances, the crews were successful with making every road reasonably passable and continued regularly to restore access after wind gusts caused drifts.

I want to thank all of the men and women who worked diligently during the last several days. This storm could have been a killer storm except for the good work of many.  Emergency Services was manned around the clock while under the State of Emergency.  The Roads and Solid Waste employees of Public Works were amazing while working endless hours in horrible conditions.  I would like to acknowledge the Sheriff and his deputies for rescuing stuck vehicles and people who became stranded and were walking while the wind-chill was in single digits.  The airport personnel worked persistently to minimize travel disruptions along with Parks and Recreation staff who assisted.  At the same time they were responsible for their facilities.  General Services has spent hours clearing parking lots, walkways and entrances of county office buildings to help keep everyone safe. Realizing last week was also payroll week, I want to recognize the commitment of the Human Resources and Finance personnel and other employees who worked diligently guaranteeing the County functioned as it should.

I want to express my appreciation to Councilman Joe Holloway who called and offered to drive a snow plow and did so for a couple days.  Councilman Ernie Davis was also out clearing areas and I’m thankful of his efforts.  Without being requested, many local farmers risked their equipment to be helpful as did many citizens.  I appreciate their hard work.  I am grateful that Governor Larry Hogan, with his busy schedule, took the time to visit the Lower Shore stopping by the State Roads office in Salisbury.

It is because of the cooperation from all employees and the community that we have survived this blizzard as well as we did.   I am truly grateful to everyone for their support during the Blizzard of 2018.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 3, 2018

Executive Culver has determined that Wicomico County offices will be closed on Thursday, January 4, 2017.  Essential personnel must report as scheduled.

Blizzard conditions with 50 miles per hour winds are expected from 3:00 a.m. until Thursday afternoon.  For that reason, we believed it is important for travelers to be at home and off County roadways.  Department heads and supervisors are to adhere to the following county declared emergency policy to compensate employees, and to ensure that all county personnel with the exception of those determined to be essential, do not report to work tomorrow.

2-1-1 Can Connect Residents to Help During Extreme Cold

January 2, 2018, Salisbury, MD- With the continued extreme cold and the threat of snow this week, Wicomico County Health Officer Lori Brewster reminds residents that they can find resources to help with issues caused by the cold by dialing 2-1-1. “This service will connect callers to local resources that are available to people who don’t have heat or who are homeless,” Brewster says. “2-1-1 can be called by anyone at any time,” Brewster states, “and trained specialists will provide assistance for dealing with challenges such as housing and utility shutoffs.”

Brewster provides residents some other key actions to take to stay safe during extreme cold:

·         Check daily on those who live alone to ensure they have what they need to survive the cold.

·         Keep the very young, the elderly, and those with medical issues such as breathing or circulation problems inside as much as possible.

·         Never heat inside with ovens or grills, and maintain a 3’ boundary around space heaters.

·         Check carbon monoxide sensors to make sure they’re in working order.

·         When going outside, dress in layers and wear a hat and mittens; cover mouth with a scarf.

·         Check local weather conditions frequently and prepare for weather events beforehand.

·         Bring outside pets inside, and provide them with fresh water and extra food.

For more information about cold weather safety and local shelters, visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org, our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter @WicomicoHealth.