PRESS RELEASE
Baltimore City Health Department Announces Start of
Code Red Extreme Heat Season 

BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, May 15, 2025) – Today, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) announced the start of Baltimore City’s Code Red Extreme Heat season, which runs from May 15th to September 15th. The Code Red Extreme Heat Program is a collaboration across multiple agencies and community partners to address the effects of extreme heat on the residents of Baltimore City.

Throughout the summer months, various City agencies will share messaging about the health risks associated with high temperatures. Additionally, community outreach initiatives are conducted to provide information about energy assistance programs available to older adults and other vulnerable populations.

City employees who are working outdoors or in hot conditions are encouraged to prioritize their health and safety. They are welcome to access designated City cooling centers during operating hours to stay hydrated and cool. The Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be activated by the Commissioner of Health when the forecasted heat index – a measurement of air temperature and relative humidity that indicates how hot it is outdoors – is greater than or equal to 105°F.

“As a community, we are committed to protecting our residents, especially our seniors, young children, and those with underlying health conditions from the growing threats of extreme heat,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “The Code Red Extreme Heat alert is a critical tool to ensure our city responds quickly and equitably to heat public health risks.”

During Code Red Extreme Heat days, staff from various City agencies, including the Health Department, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Department of Planning, the Office of Emergency Management, and other community partners will collaborate to support extreme heat response throughout the summer months. Cooling centers will provide air-conditioned facilities and water to residents without access to cool spaces in their homes. A comprehensive list of these centers is accessible on BCHD’s website: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/emergency-preparedness-response/code-red.

Additionally, residents seeking relief from the heat are also encouraged to visit open Enoch Pratt Free Library locations during their normal business hours.

“Extreme heat is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be deadly,” said Interim Health Commissioner Mary Beth Haller. “Through Code Red Extreme Heat alerts, public education, and community outreach, we can save lives and reduce heat-related illnesses.”

In 2024, Baltimore City experienced 23 Code Red Extreme Heat days and 6 heat-related deaths. Officials today emphasize the importance of residents taking necessary precautions to prepare for hot weather. Heat-related fatalities have outnumbered those caused by any other severe weather event in the U.S. over the past decade. It is important to note the effects of heat are cumulative, meaning that individuals can become ill after prolonged exposure to above-average temperatures. Those who are at greater risk include older adults, infants and children, pregnant people, individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and asthma, and people working or exercising outside. During periods of extreme heat, there is the potential for increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and stroke.

The Baltimore City Health Department recommends during times of heat that City residents:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty
• 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 in air-conditioned locations
• Check on older adults or sick people in your community who may need help in the heat

BCHD recommends keeping infants and children safe:

• Never leave your child alone in the 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 wear 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

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Light-headedness
• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• Rapid or slowed heartbeat

BCHD also recommends keeping pets safe:

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. To keep them safe, leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly. 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 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. Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Signs include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you believe your pet is suffering from heatstroke, take him or her to a veterinarian immediately

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
• Considering 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

City residents who want information on cooling centers 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.

Information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days will be shared on the Baltimore City Health Department's website, Health Department social media (Instagram: @Bmore_Healthy and Facebook: @BaltimoreHealth), the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.