PRESS RELEASE

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert  
Declared for Tuesday, July 8th   

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, July 7, 2025) – With temperatures expected to rise in the Baltimore region, the heat index is forecasted to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday, July 8, Baltimore City Interim Commissioner of Health Mary Beth Haller has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert. The alert signals dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels that pose a serious risk to health and safety, especially for vulnerable adults, children, and those working outdoors.  

In response to the Code Red Extreme Heat Alert, enhanced safety protocols are in place to protect city employees, particularly frontline and outdoor employees, including sanitation crews, public works staff, emergency responders, and others working in high-exposure environments.  

“As extreme heat conditions continue to impact our area, the Code Red Extreme Heat alert activates emergency protocols to protect our residents, employees and visitors. Excessive heat is not just uncomfortable, it is a serious health risk – especially for older adults, children, individuals with chronic health challenges, those who work or spend time outdoors, and pets,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We are additionally working to ensure our essential employees; Police Officers, Fire and EMS, Transportation Officers, and Sanitation Workers continue to take the necessary precautions as they continue to do their important work and our agencies will continue to monitor and adjust through their established heat protocols.”

In addition to internal safety measures, all residents are encouraged to take precautions during excessive heat.  

“As our community faces excessive heat conditions, I am issuing a Code Red Extreme Heat alert to ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mary Beth Haller, Interim Health Commissioner. “This is a time for all of us to take extra precautions – stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure when possible, and check on others – especially older adults, children, those with preexisting health conditions and pets.  

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’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported one heat-related death in Baltimore City so far for the 2025 Code Red Extreme Heat season. 

The following cooling centers will be activated for the Code Red Extreme Heat Declaration. All facilities have free Wi-Fi unless indicated.  

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 

*Do NOT have Wi-Fi available 

Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit open Pratt Library locations.  

The Baltimore City Health Department recommends during times of heat 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 

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 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 

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

• Confusion 

• Nausea 

• Lightheadedness or headache 

• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin 

• Hot, dry, flushed skin 

• Rapid or slowed heartbeat and breathing  

BCHD also recommends keeping pets safe: 

• 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 in pets. 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 

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 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 @BaltimoreHealth. Additional information may also be found via the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.