The Health Commissioner declared a code red extreme weather alert due to over 100 degrees weather expected on Wednesday, August 8.
“Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions,” Dr. Wen said. “All residents should protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. 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.”
TAKE A LOOK AT THE FORECAST: The heat continues along with severe weather
The Mayor's Office of Human Services’ Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
Northern Community Action Partnership Center
5225 York Road, (410) 396-6084
Southern Community Action Partnership Center
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
The Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following senior centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday:
Waxter Center for Senior Citizens: 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324
Oliver 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: 2601 E. Baltimore St., (410) 396-9202
Zeta Center: 4501 Reisterstown Rd., (410) 396-3535
Additionally, ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave, 21207) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours. The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.
Officials urge Baltimore residents to take health precautions over the next few days. In doing so, the Baltimore City Health Department suggests that:
1. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
2. Reduce outside activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations
3. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
4. Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help in the heat
5. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of heat that are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore citizens.
