Code Red Extreme Heat Warning extended in Baltimore. These cooling centers are open.

BALTIMORE – As dangerous temperatures continue to rise, Baltimore City’s Extreme Heat Warning (Code Red) has been extended through Thursday, July 11.

The heat index, a measure of air temperature and relative humidity that indicates how hot it feels to the human body, could reach well over 100 degrees in the next few days.

“With the ongoing heat wave, an extension of the Code Red Extreme Heat Warning is critical to the safety and well-being of our residents and community,” said Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Ihuoma Emenuga. “As temperatures and humidity are expected to remain dangerously high, it is critical that we take extra precautions by drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities, and staying indoors and having a working fan or air conditioner during this ongoing heat wave. Please take care of yourselves and check on your vulnerable neighbors.”

The Health Officer may declare an Extreme Heat Red Warning during periods of heat so severe that they pose a significant threat to life or health.

Once a Code Red extreme heat warning is issued, steps are taken to ensure safety. Even on warm days when a Code Red extreme heat warning is not issued, it is important to take precautions.

The following Baltimore City Health Department Division of Aging and Community Support locations will serve as cooling centers from Tuesday, July 9, through Thursday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Waxter Center for Seniors | 1000 Cathedral St. (410) 396-1324
• Oliver Senior Center | 1700 N Gay St. (410) 396-3861
• Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging | 4501 Reisterstown Rd. (410) 396-3535
• Hatton Senior Citizens Centre | 2825 Fait Ave. (410) 396-902
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center | 1601 Baker St. (410) 396-7725

The following Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) locations will serve as cooling centers from Tuesday, July 9, through Thursday, July 11 (hours vary by location):

• Women’s Center My Sisters Place (women and children only)
  17 W. Franklin St. | 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
  620 Fallsway | 11am – 5pm
• Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St. | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St. | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Manna House | 435 E. 25th St. | 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The following Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) locations will serve as cooling centers Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

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

Zion Lutheran Church (400 E. Lexington Street) will serve as a community cooling center on Tuesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) serves as a cold storage facility for the community during regular hours Tuesday through Thursday. Residents seeking shelter from the heat can also visit the 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 activities outside
• Stay indoors during the hottest time of the day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
• Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned places
• Check on elderly and sick people in your community who may need help in the heat
• Never leave children unattended in closed vehicles, even for a short time

Make sure babies sleep safely. The risk of sleep-related infant death increases when babies overheat

• You should put your child alone in a crib, lying on his back, and he should not have any blankets, pillows or sheets (a flat sheet over the crib mattress is sufficient)

• No headgear
• Co-sleeping (sharing a sleeping area with a caregiver or another child) is particularly dangerous.

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

• confusion
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• High body temperature with cool and moist skin
• Hot, dry, reddened skin
• Fast or slow heartbeat

To ensure pet safety, 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 21 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach a deadly 43 degrees.
• Provide adequate shade and water. When your pet is outside, make sure it is protected from heat and sun and has plenty of fresh, cold water
• Limit exercise on hot days. On very hot days, limit exercise to the 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 heat stroke. These include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, inability to stand, and a dark red or purple tongue. If you notice signs of heat stroke, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately

City residents seeking information on cooling centers on days with extreme heat warnings (Code Red) can call 311Anyone experiencing a heat-related medical emergency or experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.