PRESS RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, August 27, 2024) —  With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region and the heat index forecasted to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, August 28th, the Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Wednesday, August 28th. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.  

 “With the anticipated high temperature tomorrow, I am issuing a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert,” said Mary Beth Haller, Interim Commissioner of Health. “I urge residents—especially older adults, young children, people with pre-existing health conditions, first responders, and frontline workers —to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and seek relief in shaded or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.” 

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 the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore residents. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat declaration is made, activities are undertaken to encourage safety. Even on 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 six heat-related deaths in Baltimore City so far for the 2024 Code Red Extreme Heat Season. 

The following Baltimore City Health Department Division of Aging and Community Support sites will serve as cooling centers on Wednesday, August 28th, 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  

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) sites will open the following locations as cooling centers on Wednesday, August 28th (hours vary by location): 

• My Sisters Place Women’s Center (women and children only)
  17 W Franklin St. | 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
  620 Fallsway | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Manna House 435 E. 25th St. | 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.      
• Franciscan Center 101 W. 23rd St. | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.      
• Beans & Bread 400 S. Bond St. | 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.     

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) sites will serve as cooling centers on Wednesday, August 28th 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 be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours on Wednesday, August 28th.  

Zion Lutheran Church (400 E. Lexington Street) will serve as a community cooling center on Wednesday, August 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

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 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. 

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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