With the heat index expected to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday.
The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.
“Hundreds of people die every year from heat-related illnesses,” said Dr. Wen. “Heat is a silent killer and a threat to the health of everyone in our city, particularly the young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases.”
Once a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert declaration is made, public messaging activities encourage safety when outdoors. The Mayor’s Office of Human Services’ Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Northern Community Action Partnership Center at 5225 York Road, (410) 396-6084
- Southern Community Action Partnership Center (closed at 3 p.m. on Sundays) at 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center, 2nd floor), (410) 545-0900
- Northwest Community Action Partnership Center at 3939 Reisterstown Road, (443) 984-1384
- Southeast Community Action Partnership Center at 3411 Bank Street, (410) 545-6518
- Eastern Community Action Partnership Center at 1400 E. Federal Street, (410) 545-0136
- ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave, 21207) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours. The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.
During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Reduce outside activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
- Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help in the heat
Also, watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:
- Confusion
- Hot, dry, flushed skin or cool and clammy skin
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur
“We can prevent heat from killing our citizens,” Dr. Wen added. “It’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and medically frail individuals who live alone or without air conditioning during times of extreme heat.”
City residents who want information on the closest cooling center or who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311.
Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
