As temperatures near the triple digits, the Baltimore City Health Department is extending its Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Thursday.
The heat index, a measure of how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity, is forecasted to surpass 100 degrees.
“With the continuation of the current heat wave, an extension to the Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is vital for the safety and well-being of our residents and community,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga in a statement. “With temperatures and humidity levels expected to remain dangerously high, it’s crucial that we take extra precautions by drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities, and remaining indoors with a working fan or air conditioner during this prolonged heat wave. Please take care of yourselves and check on your vulnerable neighbors.”
Cooling centers
Cooling centers will be open at the following locations:
- Waxter Center for Senior Citizens | 1000 Cathedral St. (410) 396-1324 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Oliver Senior Center | 1700 N. Gay St. (410) 396-3861 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Zeta Center for Healthy & Active Aging | 4501 Reisterstown Road (410) 396-3535 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Hatton Senior Center | 2825 Fait Ave. (410) 396-902 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center | 1601 Baker St. (410) 396-7725 | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- My Sisters Place Women’s Center (women and children only) | 17 W. Franklin St. | 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) | 620 Fallsway | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Manna House | 435 E. 25th St. | 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Cherry Hill Homes | 2700 Spelman Road | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- Brooklyn Homes | 4140 10th St. | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
- 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 Tuesday through Thursday
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.
