Code Red In Baltimore Declared Due To Extreme Heat In Forecast

BALTIMORE, MD - With temperatures potentially reaching 105 degrees on the heat index Thursday, Baltimore's health commissioner has issued the first "code red" declaration of the season.

Code red alerts signify situations that could substantially threaten the life or health of vulnerable Baltimoreans.

“Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable,” Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement.

Heat Advisory, Air Quality Alert Issued For Baltimore Metro Area

"We can prevent heat from killing our citizens," Wen continued. “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.”

Cooling centers will be open in these locations from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 13:

• Northern Community Action Partnership Center, 5225 York Road
• Southern Community Action Partnership Center, 60 Cherry Hill Road, inside the shopping center on second floor
• Northwest Community Action Partnership Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road
• Southeastern Community Action Partnership Center, 3411 Bank Street
• Eastern Community Action Partnership Center, 1400 E. Federal Street

These senior centers will also be open as cooling centers, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 13:

• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens: 1000 Cathedral Street
• Oliver Center: 1700 Gay Street
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center: 1601 N. Baker Street
• Hatton Center: 2825 Fait Avenue
• John Booth: 2601 E. Baltimore Street
• Zeta Center: 4501 Reisterstown Road

Shoprite Howard Park at 4601 Liberty Heights Avenue will be open as a community cooling center during regular hours.

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will extend pool hours.

City residents who want information on the closest cooling center may call 311.

Image via public domain.