Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Issued In Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — With heat indices of 105 degrees possible this week, Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa has issued a code red for the city. A code red extreme heat alert means that conditions will be severe enough to threaten the life and health of vulnerable Baltimoreans.

So far this season, officials said there has been one heat-related death in Baltimore City. To ensure residents stay safe through this week's heat wave, they are encouraged to drink plenty of water, reduce outdoor activity, stay in air-conditioned areas and do not leave pets or children in vehicles unattended for any amount of time whatsoever.

The code red heat advisory is in effect from Tuesday, July 16, through Sunday, July 21.

Heat indices around 105 degrees are possible Wednesday and Thursday during the afternoon and early evening hours, according to the forecast from the National Weather Service.

"Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States," Dzirasa said in a statement. "The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas, especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality."

Residents are advised to stay inside during the hottest time of day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Extreme heat is particularly dangerous to young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions," Dzirasa said. "I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors, and pets."

The Community Action Partnership Centers will open these cooling centers Tuesday to 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 at 4601 Liberty Heights Avenue will be open as a community cooling center Tuesday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.

Residents looking for cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Get medical help immediately if these occur:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• Rapid or slowed heartbeat

Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.