Howard County school officials closed two county high schools early June 9 due to high temperatures and malfunctioning air conditioning systems.

Howard High School, in Ellicott City, and Marriotts Ridge High School, in Marriottsville, closed at 12:30 p.m.

The heat also prompted county health officer Dr. Peter Beilenson to issue a health alert for June 9 and 10.
Temperatures on those days are expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees, with high humidity causing outside temperatures to feel as high as 105 degrees.

Health officials advise residents without cooling systems to visit senior centers, library branches or county government office buildings to stay cool.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, the health department recommends that residents:

• drink more fluids, including non-alcoholic and caffeine-free beverages;

• stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.;

• wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing;

• take a cool shower or bath;

• never leave children or pets alone in a parked car;

• check on elderly friends, family and neighbors who live by themselves;

• look for warning signs of heat-related illness, such as mild nausea, confusion, sleepiness, profuse sweating and light-headedness.

For heat-related emergencies, residents should call 911.

For non-emergency heat-related information and assistance, residents may call the Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-5980.

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