With another heat wave brewing across the Baltimore region this week, and with the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for several days, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Sunday, July 21st.
The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.
“Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas, especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Letitia Dzirasa. “Extreme heat is particularly dangerous to young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions. I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors, and pets.”
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. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors. There has been one heat-related death in Baltimore City reported by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner this season. Even on days when a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions.
The Community Action Partnership Centers will open the following cooling centers on Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 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. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday:
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 Senior 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 Avenue, 21207) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours Tuesday through Sunday. The Baltimore City 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
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.