BALTIMORE — With high temperatures forecasted for the Baltimore region and a heat index expected to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, August 18 through Monday, August 19.
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The high temperatures and mugginess can also contribute to air quality issues, which cause particular problems for the very young, the elderly, sick people, and those with respiratory issues like asthma. Pets are also in danger in such weather, as they can’t advocate for themselves to get out of the heat, and they can’t sweat to cool down.
All City Cooling Centers are FREE and open to the public. City residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
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. and Monday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.:
- Northern Community Action Partnership Center 5225 York Road, (410) 396-6084
- Southern Community Action Partnership Center (closed Sunday) 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center, 2nd floor), (410) 545-0900
- Northwest Community Action Partnership Center 3939 Reisterstown Road, (443) 984-1384
- Southeast Community Action Partnership Center 3411 Bank Street, (410) 545-6518
- Eastern Community Action Partnership Center 1731 E. Chase Street, (410) 545-0136
The Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following locations as cooling centers from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Monday:
- Waxter Center for Senior Citizens 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324
- Oliver Senior Center 1700 Gay Street, (410) 396-3861
- Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center 1601 N. Baker Street, (410) 396-7725
- Hatton Center 2825 Fait Avenue, (410) 396-9025
- John Booth/Hooper Senior Center 2601 E. Baltimore Street., (410) 396-9202
- Zeta Center 4501 Reisterstown Road., (410) 396-3535
- Harford Center 4920 Harford Road, (410) 426-4009
Additionally, ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave, 21207) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours Sunday and Monday. The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.
- City residents can also find relief from the heat at:
- Stores
- Malls
- Movie Theaters
- Homes of family or friends with air conditioning
- Restaurants
- Libraries
- Museums
During the Code Red Extreme Heat season, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that City residents:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Reduce outside activities.
- Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
- Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations.
- Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
- Hot, dry, flushed skin
- Rapid or slowed heartbeat
Residents who need additional information about the Code Red Extreme Heat warning or cooling centers can call 311. Those who feel they may be experiencing heat stroke or heat exhaustion should call 911.
