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

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

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-upper 90s on Monday, 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 BCRP community rec centers will also be open on Monday August 5 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as cooling centers where folks without power can go to charge their phones:   

• Rita Church Community Center | 2101 St. Lo Drive
• C.C. Jackson Recreation Center | 4910 Park Heights Ave.
• Cahill Rec Center | 4001 Clifton Ave.
• Madison Square Recreation Center | 1401 E Biddle St. 
• Morrell Park Recreation Center | 2651 Tolley St. 
• Coldstream Recreation Center | 1401 Fillmore St. 
• Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center | 1201 Pennsylvania Ave.
• Edgewood/Lyndhurst Recreation Center | 835 Allendale St.
• Herring Run Recreation Center | 5001 Sinclair Ln.  

The following Baltimore City Health Department's Division of Aging and Community Support sites will serve as cooling centers on Monday, August 5 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 (MOHS) sites will serve as cooling centers and as places 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. Monday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.     

• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) 
  620 Fallsway | Monday, 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.    

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

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

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

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) sites will serve as cooling centers and as places where residents can go to charge their phones on Monday, August 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:   

• Cherry Hill Homes | 2700 Spelman Road
• Brooklyn Homes | 4140 10th Street   

ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) will serve as a community cooling center and as a place where residents without power can go to charge their phones on Monday, August 5 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.   

Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations on Monday, August 5.   

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, 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 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    

related medical emergency or who are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.