BALTIMORE, MD (July 1, 2018) – With a heat index expected to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit Monday and Tuesday, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has extended the previously announced  Code Red Extreme Heat Alert through Tuesday, July 3.  The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to the human body. Temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit are expected over the next few days.

Also, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for today.  A Code Orange Alert Day is called when air pollution levels are predicted to be unhealthy for sensitive groups meaning that active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

“Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat, particularly for the young, the elderly and those in our city who are the most vulnerable,” Dr. Wen said.  “With this period of extreme heat expected, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration.  Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated today.”

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 citizens. Once a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors.  Even on days a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions.

The Mayor's Office of Human Services’ Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers on Monday and Tuesday from 8:30am to 4:30pm:

• 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 Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following senior centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday:

• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens: 1000 Cathedral Street, (410) 396-1324
• Oliver Center: 1700 Gay Street, (410) 396-3861
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center: 1601 N. Baker Street, (410) 396-7725
• Hatton Center: 2825 Fait Avenue, (410) 396-9025
• John Booth: 2601 E. Baltimore St., (410) 396-9202
• Zeta Center: 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 Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.

During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:

• 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
• Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help in the heat
• 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

“We can prevent heat from killing our citizens,” Dr. Wen added. “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.”

For more information on Code Red Extreme Heat, citizens can check the Health Department website, and the agency’s social media accounts (@Bmore_Healthy and on Facebook).

City residents who want information on the closest cooling center or who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311.

Any city resident experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.