Baltimore City has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Thursday and Friday, June 11–12, with temperatures high enough to impact residents’ health. So how can people beat the heat?
Mayor Brandon M. Scott advises everyone to avoid going outside, if possible. The heat index is expected to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, especially dangerous for vulnerable populations.
“We encourage everyone to take precautions by staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, checking on family members and neighbors who may be vulnerable, and seeking cool spaces when needed,” Scott said. “A few simple steps can prevent serious illness and save lives during periods of extreme heat.”
Cooling Centers have been activated for both days of this alert, and all of them have free Wi-Fi, unless otherwise indicated with an asterisk (*). There is also an interactive map of Baltimore City Cooling Centers here.
Enoch Pratt Free Library also welcomes those seeking relief from the heat. Just be sure to check their website to make sure the location is open.
The last day of school for Baltimore City Public Schools is Tuesday, June 16. As of publication of this article, only one school is listed as not having air conditioning. So, for this first Code Red Extreme Heat Alert, children are in school for most of the day.
On Wednesday, June 17, the city’s public pools open for operation once school is finished for the year.
Local museums are always climate controlled, so spending time at the Walters Art Museum, the American Visionary Arts Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art are perfect ways to stay cool.
Local snowball stands are a great way to stay not only cool, but hydrated, which is key to avoiding heat-related illness. Baltimore Magazine recently did a rundown of area favorites.
Malls, movie theaters, and senior centers are air conditioned, and the National Aquarium offers half-price admission Fridays after 5 p.m.
While opening fire hydrants is off-limits (and illegal), there is always the option of a hose if one has the room outside. For snacking, put grapes in the freezer, or go old school and pour orange juice into ice cube trays and jam popsicle sticks in the middle once they start to harden up. Just like old times!
