Montgomery County has extended its Cold Emergency Alert until Friday, January 10, at 1 p.m., urging residents to prepare for dangerously low wind chills below 20°F, take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia, seek warm shelter at County facilities or shopping centers, and report concerns about homeless individuals or animals left in unsafe conditions.
Per the news release: “Montgomery County has extended the Cold Emergency Alert until Friday, 1/10 at 1pm. Residents should be prepared for wind chill values to be below 20 degrees. These dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin within 30 minutes and/or hypothermia.
Try to stay indoors if possible. Take extra precautions if you work or spend long amounts of time outdoors. Wear extra layers and when possible, take frequent breaks in a warm location. If you need relief from the cold, visit County facilities such as Libraries and Recreation Centers during business hours. Public shopping centers are also available as warm locations during their hours of operation.
The Office of Animal Services will enforce Executive Regulations 17-17, Anti Cruelty Conditions for Dogs and Other Pets during this cold emergency. During a Cold Emergency Alert, outdoor housing for an animal as described in Section 3.0 is inadequate and additional measures must be taken to provide adequate heating. The additional measures must be approved by the Director of Montgomery County Animal Services Division. If you see an animal left outside that appears to be in danger, please call the Animal Services Division immediately at 301-279-8000.”