Prince George’s County Opens Three 24-Hour Cooling Centers


Press Release
For Immediate Release:
June 30, 2012

For Information Contact:
Barry L. Hudson
Manager of Communications
PH: 240-695-8093
(Media only please, residents should call 301-583-1950)

Prince George’s County Opens Three 24-Hour Cooling Centers  

Animal Shelter Without Power


Hyattsville, MD – The Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management has opened three 24-hour cooling centers in the County that residents can use to find refuge from the heat.   The centers are located in the north, central and south sections of the County.

The County Animal Shelter is now without power.  Residents who have pets that need shelter should call (301) 780-7200.

24-Hour Cooling Centers

North
Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue
Landover, MD

Central
Prince George's Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road
Hyattsville, MD

South
Accokeek Academy
14400 Berry Road
Accokeek,  MD 
Cooling centers are temporary air conditioned public spaces set-up for residents to prevent the health effects of a heat wave.  They are usually located at several sites throughout a jurisdiction and are not designed for lodging.   Residents who require overnight accommodations are encouraged to go to the shelter at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD.   In addition, residents who are in need of recharging their medical oxygen devices should go to one of the cooling centers, fire stations or the Northwestern High School shelter to charge their equipment. 

The Prince George’s County Fire Department reminds citizens to use battery operated lights and flash lights in lieu of candles.  A couple of post-storm fires that occurred were the result of residents using candles for light. In order to conserve cool air, residents are encouraged to use discretion in opening windows in order to keep cooler air inside as well as minimizing the time refrigerators and freezers are opened.  

The Prince George’s County Department of Family Services has been regularly communicating with all senior citizen, assisted living centers, and nursing homes in the County. Residents are encouraged to check on the elderly, neighbors, family members and those who may have special needs. 

Residents and media are encouraged to follow @CountyExecBaker on Twitter or “County Executive Rushern Baker” on Facebook for information and updates.  The phone number to the Emergency Operation Center is 301-583-1950.

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