Baltimore City Health Commissioner Declares Code Red Heat Advisory for Saturday and Sunday 

Keep Hydrated and Reduce Outside Activity with Artscape Festivities  

With the heat index expected to be at 104 degrees tomorrow and Sunday, July 18 and 19, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red Heat Advisory for both days.  The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside.  

“Heat is a silent killer.  That is why it’s important for everyone to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration,” said Dr. Wen.  “We want to make sure everyone enjoys Artscape and other festivities, but please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated.” 

The Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday:

• Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road
• Southern Community Action Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor, note this location will close at 3 p.m. on Sunday)
• Northwest Community Action Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road
• Southeastern Community Action Center, 3411 Bank Street
• Eastern Community Action Center, 1400 E. Federal Street

During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that 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, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help responding to the heat
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:
  • Confusion
  • Hot, dry, flushed skin or cool and clammy skin
  • Lighheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur

Artscape offers some air-conditioned venues around the festival and several misting tents.  Temperatures are also likely to be cooler in in morning and evening.   

“We can prevent heat from killing our citizens,” added Dr. Wen. “It’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and medically frail individuals who live alone or without air conditioning during times of extreme heat.”

City residents who want information on the closest cooling center or who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311, the city service line.  Information about cooling centers is also available on the Baltimore City Health Department website at www.baltimorehealth.org/coderedinfo.   Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

The effects of heat add up, meaning a person can become ill after several days of above average temperatures. During heat waves, there is increased likelihood of death from heart disease, respiratory illness, and stroke. Each year, the heat kills more people than hurricanes and other weather-related phenomena combined.