Where to Stay Warm in Harford County

While temperatures dropped Tuesday, Harford County Library branches were opened as "warming centers," according to a statement from the Department of Emergency Services.

The low was -16 degrees in Harford County, with temperatures creeping up to the 20s on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. School was canceled Tuesday in Harford County, and there was a wind chill advisory in effect until 6 p.m. with gusts up to 35 mph.

"Harford County is experiencing some of the lowest temperatures in nearly two decades, and we are concerned for the safety and well-being of our seniors, young children, persons with special needs and our homeless population," Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers said.

The Department of Emergency Services said libraries were not shelters. However, they were available for the public’s use during normal business hours, as follows:

• Bel Air, 100 E. Pennsylvania Ave.; Tuesday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Aberdeen, 21 Franklin St.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Abingdon, 2510 Tollgate Rd.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Darlington, 1134 Main St.; Tuesday and Wednesday 3–8 p.m.
• Edgewood, 629 Edgewood Rd.; Tuesday 1-8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Fallston, 1461 Fallston Rd.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Havre de Grace, 120 N. Union Ave.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Jarrettsville, 3722 Norrisville Rd.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Joppa, 655 Towne Center Dr.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Norrisville, 5310 Norrisville Rd.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Whiteford, 2407 Whiteford Rd.; Tuesday 1–8 p.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Emergency officials said people should watch out for the signs of hypothermia—uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.

If people show signs of hypothermia, seek medical attention for them as soon as possible, moving them to a warm place and providing warm beverages, according to the Department of Emergency Services.