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Code Red heat advisory extended through Thursday, Baltimore City Health Department says

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The Code Red Extreme Heat Alert issued for Tuesday, Aug. 28 and Wednesday, Aug. 29, has been extended through Thursday, Aug. 30, the Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said.

With high temperatures and oppressive humidity, the heat index is expected to exceed 100 degrees both days. Code Red alerts are declared when the heat is expected to be severe enough to present a "substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore residents," Wen's statement said. 

READ MORE: 25 heat-related deaths in MD so far this year

Residents are advised to avoid the heat and take precautions if going outdoors. Heat puts stress on the body and can have cumulative effects, particularly for those with chronic medical issues. 

To offer respite for city residents, the Mayor's Office of Human Services Community Action partnership will open the following cooling centers from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday:

  • 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. Thursday:

  • 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 
  • Baltimore Hatton Senior Center - 2825 Fait Avenue, (410) 396-9025 
  • John Booth Senior Center - 2601 E. Baltimore St., (410) 396-9202 
  • Zeta Center For Healthy And Active Aging - 4501 Reisterstown Rd., (410) 396-3535

The ShopRite Howard Park at 4601 Liberty Heights Ave will also serve as a community cooling center during until it closes at 10 p.m.

The Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.

Health Department officials recommend residents to take the following precautions to stay safe in the heat:

  • Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help in the heat
  • 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
  • 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