The Health Commissioner declares a Code Red Heat Alert day during periods of extreme heat. The decision to activate Code Red Heat Alert on a particular day will be made before 6 A.M. of that day, if possible. Individuals unsure of whether a Code Red Heat Alert is in effect can call the City's 311 Call Center for details. 311 operators will provide cooling center locations, safety tips and information about warning signs for heat-related morbidity. They will also attempt to link residents in need of transportation to cooling centers with available transportation programs, including CARE's TaxiCard voucher program. [Code Red Heat Alert Plan 2009] [Press Releases]

On Code Red Heat Alert days, those without electricity are particularly vulnerable to heat related health problems. Baltimore City Health Care Providers can request energy assistance referral forms for their patients by calling (410) 361-9583.

As part of the Code Red Heat Alert response, the Red Cross and Salvation Army will provide water distribution to people who are homeless throughout the city. [Code Red Response 2009]

Cooling Centers:
Baltimore Housing will open the following six cooling centers when there is a Code Red Heat Alert. Centers open at 9 a.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. on weekends.

• Northern Community Action Center
  5225 York Road
• Northwest District Community Action Center
  3314 Ayrdale Avenue
• Southeast Community Action Center
  3411 Bank Street
• Southern Community Action Center
  606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor)
• Western Disctrict Community Action Center
  1133 Pennsylvania Avenue
• Eastern Community Action Center
  1400 E. Federal Street

The Commission on Aging and Retirement Education may open the following five senior centers during a Code Red Heat Alert, during weekdays only.

• Hatton Center
  2825 Fait Avenue
• Oliver Senior Center
  1700 Gay Street
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center
  1601 Baker Street
• Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
  1000 Cathedral Street
• John Booth
  229 1/2 S. Eaton Street

In addition, residents can go to Recreation and Park Centers throughout the city on Code Red Heat Alert days.

Tips to Stay Cool
The Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:

• Drink plenty of water or juice
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Wipe skin with cool water as needed
• Reduce outside activities
• Wear light-weight and light-colored clothing
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
• Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur
• Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
• Check on older, sick or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat

City residents who want information on the cooling centers can call 311. Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Click on the following links to download and print a free flier:

• Cooling Center Map
• General Heat information
• Information for Coaches
• Information for Caretakers

Free Bus Transportation is Available

New this year, the city is providing free transportation to help vulnerable residents get to a cool place and visit friends and family for support, or take other steps to beat the heat. The city is distributing special MTA bus passes good for one free trip on Code Red Heat Alert days.   

Individuals can obtain a pass at emergency departments, social service agencies, churches, cooling centers, and other venues. In addition, city residents concerned about their neighbors can request passes to distribute from their local fire station. Medic units will also distribute passes as they travel around the city. Please call 311 for more information.