Baltimore is under its first extreme heat alert of the season through Thursday, with temperatures feeling well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
“The health and safety of Baltimore’s residents is the City’s foremost priority as we head into this season’s first period of sustained high heat in our region,” Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott said in a statement. “The city is taking every step and precaution necessary to protect residents and city workers during this heat wave. That is why I strongly urge every resident to take proper precautions, check on vulnerable friends and family, and use our City-designated cooling centers.”
On Friday, Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert, which is scheduled to last through Thursday.
“With the anticipated high temperatures this weekend and next week, I am issuing a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert,” Haller said in a statement. “I urge residents—especially older adults, those who are pregnant, those with children, and people with pre-existing health conditions—to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and seek relief in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.”
Daytime temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-90s and could reach 100 or more. The heat index – which measures what the temperature it feels like based on air temperature and humidity – are forecasted for 105-110 and could reach 115. Nighttime temperatures could remain above 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The following Baltimore City locations will operate as cooling centers from Tuesday through Thursday. (*Locations with an asterisk do not have Wi-Fi.)
- ShopRite of Howard Park* – 4601 Liberty Heights Ave., 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- HARBEL (Tuesday and Wednesday Only) – 5807 Harford Road, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Zion Lutheran Church – 400 E. Lexington St., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Oliver Senior Center – 1700 N. Gay St., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center – 1601 Baker St., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Hatton Senior Center – 2825 Fait Ave., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Zeta Senior Center – 4501 Reisterstown Road, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Harford Senior Center – 4920 Harford Road, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- My Sister’s Place Women’s Center (Women and Children Only) – 17 W. Franklin St., 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Manna House – 435 E. 25th St., 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Beans & Bread – 400 S. Bond St., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Franciscan Center – 101 W. 23rd St., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Weinberg Housing Resource Center – 620 Falls Way, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Cherry Hill Homes – 2700 Spelman Road, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Brooklyn Homes – 4140 10th St., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
During the alert period, officials are advising residents to take safety precautions, including regularly drinking water; avoiding alcohol and caffeine; limiting outdoor activities; remaining indoors and in an air-conditioned location during the hottest part of the day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and checking on older adults, people who are ill, and other community members who may need help.
People should also ensure the safety of infants and children by never leaving a child alone in the car, even for a few minutes, and not covering strollers with blankets. Babies should sleep alone (not in bed with someone else); on their back; in an empty crib or bassinet; in a smoke-free space; with their head uncovered; wearing light clothes; without blankets or thick sleepwear; and in a cool room.
Fans can be used to move air around the room, but they should not be pointed directly at a baby.
A cool, damp washcloth can be used to gently wipe, cool, and calm a baby back to sleep.
Seek medical help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion; including confusion; nausea; lightheadedness; headache; high body temperature with cool and clammy skin; hot, dry, flushed skin; rapid or slowed heartbeat and breathing.
Officials advise pet owners to provide shade and fresh cold water for their pet, limit their pet’s exercise to early morning or evening hours, and never leave them in a car.
Walk your dog on grass, as asphalt can reach high temperatures and burn their paws.
Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately if they display signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, inability to stand up, and a deep red or purple tongue.
If your home lacks air conditioning, you can help keep it cool by covering windows and making window reflectors with cardboard and aluminum foil.
Call 311 for assistance locating a cooling center. Call 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or a heat-related emergency.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Monday declared a State of Preparedness amid high temperatures hitting the state and region.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of Marylanders,” Moore said in a statement. “This State of Preparedness will ensure that Maryland is coordinated and poised to protect our people in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity. We ask that all Marylanders do their part to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and stay in cool locations as much as possible. Check on vulnerable family members and friends throughout the week to make sure they’re staying safe too.”
“Many Marylanders are at risk for heat-related illness during extreme heat like we are experiencing this week,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Remember to check on those who are particularly vulnerable to this weather — including young children, senior citizens, and people with chronic diseases. Be sure that they have the resources they need to stay comfortable and safe, or help them locate one of the dozens of local cooling centers available.”
Residents can find more heat preparedness information on the Maryland Department of Emergency Management website, and statewide cooling centers on the Maryland Department of Health website.
