Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Lena Wen has declared a 'code red' extreme heat alert on Labor Day and Tuesday.
Extreme heat is supposed to hit the Baltimore area with over 100 degrees.
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“As Baltimore continues to experience very high temperatures this week, all residents should take precautions to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration,” Dr. Wen said. “Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. I urge everyone stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and medically frail individuals who live alone.”
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.
The ShopRite Howard Park at 4601 Liberty Heights Ave will serve as a community cooling center during until it closes at 10 p.m. both days.
The Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours Monday. Pools close Tuesday..
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. Tuesday:
- 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. Tuesday:
- 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
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.
