Westminster, MD (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) – Due to the anticipated high temperatures and excessive heat, Carroll County Department of Citizen Services and the Carroll County Public Library will activate cooling centers around the county. Cooling centers will run during regular business hours on Wednesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 16th.

Unless otherwise noted, residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat and do not have adequate shelter are encouraged to cool off between the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM in the following locations:

• Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

• Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy
• North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg
• Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown
• Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster

Residents can also cool down at any branch of the Carroll County Public Library during regular business hours, from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday.  

• Eldersburg Branch, 6400 W Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg
• Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
• Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy
• North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
• Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown
• Westminster Branch, 50 East Main Street, Westminster

Additionally, the following community organizations will be operating cooling centers:

• Human Services Programs Adult Only Shelter, located at 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, MD, 21157, will be operating a cooling center from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday. Please call (410) 386-6679 for more information.

Access to air conditioning and water fountains will be available at any of the cooling centers for those who need them.

Carroll County Emergency Management offers the following safety tips for when temperatures and humidity are high:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
• Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Eat less protein and more fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings or rooms and limit time outside if possible.
• Additional places you can go to cool down in Carroll County include stores, malls, restaurants, churches, movie theaters, and homes of friends and family.

For additional information, visit the Carroll County Health Department website.