Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Tuesday, Wednesday
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- With the heat index expected to be over 100 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday, the Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has declared a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert.
"Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions," Dr. Wen said.
"All residents should protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. It's important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your neighbors, especially seniors and medically frail individuals who live alone or without air conditioning during times of extreme heat," she added.
The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body.
The following cooling centers will be open across the city:
The Mayor's Office of Human Services' Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:
- Northern Community Action Partnership Center, 5225 York Road, (410) 396-6084
- Southern Community Action Partnership Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor), (410) 545-0900
- Northwest Community Action Partnership Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road, (443) 984-1384
- Southeast Community Action Partnership Center, 3411 Bank Street, (410) 545-6518
The Baltimore City Health Department's Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following senior centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday:
- Waxter Center for Senior Citizens: 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324
- Oliver Senior Center: 1700 Gay Street, (410) 396-3861
- Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center: 1601 N. Baker Street, (410) 396-7725
- Baltimore Hatton Senior Center: 2825 Fait Avenue, (410) 396-9025
- John Booth Senior Center : 2601 E. Baltimore St., (410) 396-9202
- Zeta Center For Healthy And Active Aging: 4501 Reisterstown Rd., (410) 396-3535
Additionally, ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave, 21207) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours.
The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.
Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. During periods of extreme heat, the Health Department recommends that city residents:
- Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help in the heat
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Reduce outside activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:
- Confusion
- Hot, dry, flushed skin or cool and clammy skin
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
For more information on Code Red Extreme Heat, citizens can check the Health Department website.
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