Baltimore's Code Red Extreme Heat Alert extended due to power outages from storms

BALTIMORE - The Code Red Extreme Heat alert continues through Tuesday in Baltimore after an alarming number of power outages due to severe weather on Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low-to-mid 90s on Tuesday, but according to Interim Health Commissioner Simone Johnson, the power outages have hindered residents' ability to stay cool and safe in their homes.   

"Residents without power are encouraged to visit designated cooling centers throughout the city," Johnson said. "I urge residents to check on their older neighbors to ensure their safety, drink plenty of water and be mindful of heat-related illnesses."  

The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of heat that are severe enough to present a substantial threat to life or health risks. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat declaration is made, activities are undertaken to encourage safety. 

The Maryland Department of Health Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported three heat-related deaths in Baltimore City this summer.

The following Baltimore City Health Department's Division of Aging and Community Support sites will serve as cooling centers on Tuesday, August 6 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.    

• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens | 1000 Cathedral St. (410) 396-1324    

• Oliver Senior Center | 1700 N Gay St. (410) 396-3861    

• Zeta Center for Healthy & Active Aging | 4501 Reisterstown Rd.  (410) 396-3535    

• Hatton Senior Center | 2825 Fait Ave. (410) 396-9025    

• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center | 1601 Baker St. (410) 396-7725    

• Harford Senior Center | 4920 Harford Rd. (410) 426-4009    

The following Mayor's Office of Homeless Services sites will serve as cooling centers and sites where residents without power can go to charge their phones (days and hours vary by location):   

• My Sisters Place Women's Center (women and children only)  17 W. Franklin St.
  Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.     

• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center 620 Fallsway
  Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.    

• Manna House | 435 E. 25th St. | Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.     

• Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. | Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.     

• Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.    

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City sites will serve as cooling centers and sites where residents without power can go to charge their phones on Tuesday, August 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:   

• Cherry Hill Homes | 2700 Spelman Rd.    

• Brooklyn Homes | 4140 10th St.   

ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) will serve as a community cooling center and a place where residents without power can go to charge their phones on Tuesday, August 6 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.   

Zion Lutheran Church (400 E. Lexington St.) will serve as a community cooling center on Tuesday, August 6th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations on Tuesday, August 6.   

Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. 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 for 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, the Baltimore City Health Department 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 they have 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.