Extreme Heat: Code Red issued in Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA)—Baltimore City health officials have declared a ‘Code Red’ for Tuesday and Wednesday, the first extreme heat alert of the season.

Temperatures are expected to rise and the heat index is forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“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 Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Dzirasa.

“Extreme heat is particularly dangerous for 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 Baltimore City Health Commissioner usually declares a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of heat that are severe enough to present life-threatening issues to vulnerable residents. 

Once the Code Red alert is declared, activities are undertaken to encourage safety. 

The Health Department’s Division of Aging will open the following locations as cooling centers on Tuesday, June 29th through Wednesday, June 30th from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

• Oliver Center Senior Center
  1700 Gay Street
  (410) 396-3861
• Hatton Senior Center
  2825 Fait Avenue
  (410) 396-9025 
• Harford Senior Center
  4920  Harford Rd. 
  (410) 426-4009
• Sandtown Winchester Senior Center
  1601 Baker St. 
  (410) 396-7725
• Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging
  4501 Reistertown Rd.  
  (410) 396-3535 

Residents are encouraged to call the cooling center ahead of time to ensure space is available.  

You should not visit a cooling center if you have the following symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea 

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 in 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 heatstroke.  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.