Code Red Extreme Heat Alert issued for Baltimore from Thursday through Saturday

BALTIMORE - A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert has been issued in Baltimore City from Thursday, July 4 through Saturday, July 6 as temperatures and humidity continue to rise.

The heat index is expected to be over 100 degrees for the next few days, according to WJZ's First Alert Weather Team.

"As we prepare to enjoy the 4th of July holiday, we should prioritize our safety while having fun. Amidst the extreme heat, residents should stay hydrated, remain indoors with a working air conditioner or fan, and be sure to check on vulnerable neighbors," said Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga. "Extreme heat is dangerous to older adults, children, and those with chronic health conditions. Together, let's celebrate responsibly and safely, by staying cool and hydrated this holiday weekend."

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. 

The following Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) sites will serve as cooling centers (days and hours vary by location):

• My Sisters Place Women's Center (women and children only) 
  17 W. Franklin St. | Thurs., Fri., and Sat., 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  
• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) 
  620 Fallsway | Thurs., Fri., and Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
• Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. | Fri., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  
• Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | Fri., 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. 

 *On Thursday, July 4th, Beans & Bread's indoor facilities will be closed, but will be serving water outside.  

The following Baltimore City Health Department's Division of Aging and Community Support sites will serve as cooling centers on Friday, July 5th 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 

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) sites will serve as cooling centers on Friday, July 5th from 8 a.m. to 4 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 during their regular hours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations.  

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 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

City residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.