PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 12, 2024   Contact: Blair Adams Director of Communications (443) 690-4396 (Cell) BlairK.Adams@BaltimoreCity.gov

PRESS RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, July 12, 2024) — With temperatures again rising in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit Sunday through Wednesday of next week, the Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Sunday, July 14th through Wednesday, July 17th. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body. 

“With temperatures expected to rise and the heat index expected to surpass 105 degrees, a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be in place to let residents know of the resources available to help in the heat and serve as a reminder of the health risks of extreme heat,” said Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga, Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner of Health. “I strongly urge residents — especially our older adults, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions— to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and seek relief in air-conditioned spaces or a cooling center. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all Baltimore residents during this period of extreme heat." 

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. Even on warm days when a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions. 

The Maryland Department of Health Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported one heat-related death in Baltimore City so far for the 2024 Code Red Extreme Heat Season.  

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. | Sun., Mon., Tue., and Wed., 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  
• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
  620 Fallsway | Sun., Mon., Tue., and Wed., 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 
• Manna House | 435 E. 25th St. | Mon., Tue., and Wed., 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  
• Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. 
  Mon., Tue., and Wed., 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  
• Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | Mon., Tue., and Wed., 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. 

The following Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and Community Support sites will serve as cooling centers on Monday, July 15th through Wednesday July 17th from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 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 

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) sites will serve as cooling centers on Monday, July 15th through Wednesday July 17th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 

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

Zion Lutheran Church (400 E. Lexington Street) will serve as a community cooling center on Tuesday, July 16th and Wednesday, July 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) will serve as a community cooling center during their regular hours Sunday through Wednesday. Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations.  

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, 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 

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. 

For more information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days, visit the Baltimore City Health Department’s website and on social media Facebook @BaltimoreHealth and Instagram @Bmore_healthy. Additional information may also be found via the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.  

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