List: Cooling centers in Baltimore City extended through Friday

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore City Health Department has announced the opening of cooling centers through the end of the week.

"Extreme heat is dangerous to young children, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions. Please protect yourselves and check in on your family, neighbors, and pets," acting Commissioner of Health Mary Haller said.   

The following locations will be open as cooling centers Thursday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Harford Senior Center

4920 Harford Rd.
(410) 426-4009

• Hatton Senior Center

2825 Fait Ave.
(410)-396-9025

• Sandtown Winchester Senior Center

1601 Baker St.
(410) 396-7724

• Oliver Senior Center

1700 N Gay St.
(410) 396-3861

• Zeta Center for Health and Active Aging

4501 Reisterstown Rd.
(410) 396-3535

• Waxter Senior Center

1000 Cathedral St.

(410) 396-1324   

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services site will open the following locations as cooling centers on Tuesday, September 5th through Thursday, September 7th. See the hours of operation for each location below.

• Beans & Bread

402 S. Bond St
9:00 am-1:00pm 

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City will open the following locations as cooling centers on Tuesday, September 5th through Thursday, September 7th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Cherry Hill Homes

2700 Spelman Rd, ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours Tuesday through Thursday. 

Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit their local Enoch Pratt Free library branch during their regular hours.

During the Code Red Extreme Heat season, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that City residents: 

• Drink plenty of water. 
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. 
• Reduce outside activities. 
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). 
• Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations. 
• Check on older adults and the sick in your community who may need help in the heat. 
• Never leave children alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time. 
• Ensure that babies are sleeping safely. The risk of sleep-related infant death increases when babies overheat. 
• People should place their infants alone, on their back, in a crib, and with no blankets, pillows, or sheets (a flat sheet covering the crib mattress is fine) 
• No head coverings 
• Co-sleeping (sharing a sleeping surface with a caregiver or another child) is especially dangerous. 
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur: 
• Confusion 
• Nausea 
• Lightheadedness 
• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin 
• Hot, dry, flushed skin 
• Rapid or slowed heartbeat 

To keep pets safe, BCHD also recommends: 

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. Keep them safe and leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can rise to a deadly 110 degrees. 
• Provide ample shade and water. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water.  
• Limit exercise on hot days. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on grass if possible. 
• Watch for signs of heatstroke. These include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you see signs of heatstroke, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.