PRESS RELEASE

Baltimore City Health Department Issues a  
Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Thursday, July 17th   

PRESS RELEASE

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, July 16, 2025) – The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) is declaring a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert for Thursday, July 17, due to dangerously high temperatures and a heat index forecasted to reach 105 degrees. Extreme heat can be life-threatening and pose serious health risks, especially for those working outdoors, older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health challenges. 

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.

“During these extremely hot days, we urge all employees and residents to take this alert seriously. Pay close attention to the weather, listen to your body, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Whether it’s checking in on neighbors, staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, or using our cooling centers, we all play a part in helping everyone remain as safe as possible. As a community, we are committed to doing everything we can to help residents, city employees, and visitors stay safe and healthy.” 

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

“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, those with children, and 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’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported two heat-related deaths 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.  

Thursday, July 17, 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 safely. 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. 

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