Code Red Extreme Heat

Baltimore City is NOT under a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert at this time

Code Red Extreme Heat 2025

Overview

The Health Commissioner declares a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of extreme heat. The decision to activate a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert on a particular day will be made before 6 A.M. of that day, if possible.

Individuals unsure of whether a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is in effect can call 311 (443-263-2220) for details. 311 operators will provide information on cooling center locations, safety tips, and warning signs for heat-related illnesses.

Individuals can also call 311 (443-263-2220) to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days. Call 911 if you are having a heat-related emergency.

Those without access to electricity are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health issues. City residents who need energy assistance can apply through the Maryland Department of Human Services' Energy Assistance Portal or call 1-800-332-6347. Older adults who need energy assistance can call 410-396-CARE (2273) for assistance. Residents can learn more about the Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program, which supports cooling systems for qualifying individuals, by visiting or calling (443) 984-1066. 

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) will coordinate the distribution of water to people throughout the city who are experiencing homelessness.

Cooling Centers

On Code Red Extreme Heat days, staff from several city agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management, the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services, and the Health Department, will coordinate the opening of cooling centers to offer air-conditioned spaces and cool water for residents.  

 Interactive Cooling Center Map Found Here 

Hours and availability of cooling centers are subject to change. The following locations will serve as cooling centers for the 2025 Code Red Extreme Heat Season:

Senior Centers* – open as cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Free Wi-Fi is available to all residents who visit Senior Center cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat Days. 

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

Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) – Sites are open as cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days. Days and times vary per location. Free Wi-Fi is available to all residents who visit MOHS cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat Days.   

  • My Sisters Place Women’s Center (open to women and children only)
    17 W. Franklin St.  
    Everyday 
    10:30 AM – 5:30 PM  
  • Manna House
    435 E. 25th St.
    Monday – Friday
    11:30 AM – 3:00 PM  
  • Franciscan Center  
    101 W. 23rd St.  
    Monday – Friday
    10:00 AM – 1:00 PM  
  • Weinberg Housing & Resource Center  (WHRC)
    620 Fallsway 
    Everyday 
    11:00 AM – 5:00 PM  
  • Beans & Bread
    400 S. Bond St. 
    Monday - Friday
    9:00 AM – 4:00 PM  

Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)* – the sites below will open as a cooling center on Code Red Extreme Heat days, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Free Wi-Fi is available to all residents who visit HABC cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat Days. 

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

Community Cooling Centers

  • Zion Lutheran Church
    400 E. Lexington St. 
    Tuesday - Thursday
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM  
  • ShopRite of Howard Park  
    4601 Liberty Heights Ave.  
    Sunday – Saturday  
    6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Harbel (Resiliency Hub) 
    5807 Harford Rd. 
    Monday – Thursday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) 
    Friday (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) 

*All BCHD Senior Centers and HABC cooling centers will NOT be open on city holidays.

Additional cooling centers may be opened during extended periods of heat. Before leaving home, please call 311 for the latest information on cooling center hours.

Libraries as Cool Air Spaces

Residents are also encouraged to visit open Enoch Pratt Free Library locations during normal business hours to seek relief from the heat. Bottled water will NOT be available at these locations. Hours by site may vary. Please call your local library branch or 311 to verify the library's status and hours of operation. 

Tips on Staying Cool

During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends City residents:

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
  • Reduce outside activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
  • Check on older adults or sick neighbors who may need help responding to the heat

Baltimore City Health Department's Safety Tips for Infants:

  • Never leave your child alone in a car. Even for a few minutes, a car can heat up fast and become very dangerous. 
  • Do not cover strollers with blankets. Even light covers can trap heat and make it too hot for your baby. 
  • Make Sure Your Baby Sleeps Safe 
    • Babies can get too hot while sleeping, especially in summer. Getting too hot can raise the risk of sleep-related infant death. Babies should sleep: 
      • Alone (not in bed with you or anyone else) 
      • On their back 
      • In a crib or bassinet with nothing else in it—no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals 
      • In a smoke-free space (no cigarettes, marijuana, or vaping near your baby) 
    • Always leave your baby’s head uncovered during sleep. Hats or hoods can cause overheating. 
    • Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. A good rule of thumb: dress them in the same number of layers you’d wear to sleep. 
    • Don’t use blankets or thick sleepwear. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold, you can use a lightweight sleep sack instead of a blanket. 
    • Keep the room cool and let in fresh air if you can. A fan can help move air around the room—just don’t point it directly at your baby. 
    • If your baby wakes up hot and fussy, try using a cool, damp washcloth to gently wipe them down. That can help them cool off and settle back to sleep.

For more information on pregnant women, infants, and children, visit the Baltimore City Health Department's Maternal and Child Health webpage.  

Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:

  • Confusion
  • Hot, dry, flushed skin or cool and clammy skin
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea

Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Additional steps to prepare your home if you don’t have air conditioning:

  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings.
  • Consider making temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to place between windows and drapes.
  • With temperatures starting to climb, consider readying your household for summer by purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation. 
  • Take a cool bath and stay hydrated when temperatures increase indoors.

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