Baltimore, prepare for another Code Red Extreme Heat Alert from Sunday through Wednesday.
Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga on Friday declared the heat alert as the heat index — or the “feels like” temperature — is forecasted to again climb above 100 degrees.
“With temperatures expected to rise and the heat index expected to surpass 105 degrees, a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be in place to let residents know of the resources available to help in the heat and serve as a reminder of the health risks of extreme heat,” Emenuga said in a statement. “I strongly urge residents — especially our older adults, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions— to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and seek relief in air-conditioned spaces or a cooling center. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all Baltimore residents during this period of extreme heat.”
This latest alert comes after Baltimore was under another Code Red Extreme Heat Alert this week.
At least one person has died from heat-related illness in Baltimore City so far during the 2024 Code Red Extreme Heat Season, as reported by the Maryland Department of Health Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Cooling centers
Cooling centers will be open across the city, including at the following locations:
- My Sisters Place Women’s Center (women and children only) | 17 W. Franklin St. | 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday
- Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) | 620 Fallsway | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday
- Manna House | 435 E. 25th St. | 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Waxter Center for Senior Citizens | 1000 Cathedral St. (410) 396-1324 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Oliver Senior Center | 1700 N. Gay St. (410) 396-3861 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Zeta Center for Healthy & Active Aging | 4501 Reisterstown Road (410) 396-3535 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Hatton Senior Center | 2825 Fait Ave. (410) 396-902 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center | 1601 Baker St. (410) 396-7725 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Cherry Hill Homes | 2700 Spelman Road | 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Brooklyn Homes | 4140 10th St. | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday
- Zion Lutheran Church | 400 E. Lexington St. | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
- ShopRite Howard Park | 4601 Liberty Heights Ave. | regular business hours Sunday through Wednesday
For additional information about cooling centers, call 311. You can also visit the Baltimore City Health Department’s website or the department’s social media.
Precautions
During the heat alert, residents are urged to take precautions to stay cool, including drinking water regularly; avoiding alcohol and caffeine; limiting time outdoors especially during the hottest time of day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); staying in air-conditioned places; checking on older adults, sick people, and other vulnerable community members; and never leaving children alone in closed vehicles even for short periods of time.
Symptoms
Call 911 if you or someone else is experiencing a heat-related medical emergency. The following are symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
- Hot, dry, flushed skin
- Rapid or slowed heartbeat
Infants
To prevent infant deaths from overheating: place your infant alone, on their back, in a crib with no blankets, pillows, or sheets (other than a flat sheet covering the crib mattress). Do not put head coverings on your infant. Infants should not share a sleeping surface with a caregiver or other child.
Pets
Do not leave your pet in a parked car. Instead, keep them at home with plenty of water and shade. Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Walk your dog on grass to prevent their paws from being burned by asphalt.
Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately if they exhibit heatstroke symptoms, including heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, inability to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue.
