Baltimore City is under an extreme heat alert Tuesday as the heat index is forecasted to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
“As our community faces excessive heat conditions, I am issuing a Code Red Extreme Heat alert to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mary Beth Haller, interim health commissioner, in a statement. “This is a time for all of us to take extra precautions – stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure when possible, and check on others – especially older adults, children, those with preexisting health conditions and pets.
As part of the heat alert, the city is instituting enhanced safety protocols to protect city employees.
Trash and recycling pick-up will begin one hour earlier, starting Tuesday and continuing through Sept. 30.
“As extreme heat conditions continue to impact our area, the Code Red Extreme Heat alert activates emergency protocols to protect our residents, employees and visitors,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement. “Excessive heat is not just uncomfortable, it is a serious health risk – especially for older adults, children, individuals with chronic health challenges, those who work or spend time outdoors, and pets.”
Scott continued, “We are additionally working to ensure our essential employees; Police Officers, Fire and EMS, Transportation Officers, and Sanitation Workers continue to take the necessary precautions as they continue to do their important work and our agencies will continue to monitor and adjust through their established heat protocols.”
At least one person has died from heat-related complications in Baltimore City so far during the 2025 Code Red Extreme Heat season.
To help residents stay safe during this extreme heat period, Baltimore City is activating the following cooling centers:
- ShopRite of Howard Park – 4601 Liberty Heights Ave., 6 a.m. – 10 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., 10:30 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.
Other than the ShopRite of Howard Park, all cooling centers on this list have free Wi-Fi.
Residents can also visit any open Pratt Library locations for relief from the heat.
To stay safe during extreme heat, Baltimore City health officials recommend that residents drink water regularly; avoid alcohol and caffeine; limit time spent outdoors; remain indoors during the hottest part of the day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; seek relief in air-conditioned locations; and check on older adults, people who are ill, and other vulnerable community members.
Health officials urge residents to never leave a child alone in a car, even for a few minutes. Strollers should not be covered with blankets as these can trap heat.
Babies should sleep alone, on their back, with their head uncovered, wearing light clothes, in a cool room, in an empty crib or bassinet, and in a smoke-free space. A fan can be used to move air around the room but it should not be pointed directly at a baby.
A cool damp washcloth can be used to gently wipe and cool down a hot and fussy baby to help them settle back to sleep.
Immediately seek medical help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, including confusion; nausea; lightheadedness; headache; high body temperature with cool and clammy skin; hot, dry, flushed skin; and rapid or slowed heartbeat and breathing.
Like children, pets should never be left alone in a car.
Pet owners should give their pets shade from heat and sun as well as plenty of fresh, cold water.
On hot days, limit your pet’s exercise to early morning hours or evening hours. Check asphalt temperatures and walk your dog on grass if possible.
Immediately take your pet to a veterinarian if they exhibit signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, inability to stand up, and a deep red of purple tongue.
Residents without air conditioning can stay cool by using drapes, shades, or awnings to cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun; making window reflectors with aluminum foil-covered cardboard to place between windows and drapes; purchasing a window air conditioner and insulations; taking a cool bath; and staying hydrated.
Call 311 for information about cooling centers.
Call 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing a heat-related medical emergency or exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
