Code Red Heat Alert for Thursday, August 5th!
August 10, 2010. Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, Interim Health Commissioner Olivia D. Farrow is declaring Thursday, August 5th, a Code Red Heat Alert day. Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available. Residents should call 311 for the latest cooling center hours before heading to the nearest one.
The Community Action Program will operate five centers around the city. These centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday:
- Northern Community Action Center -- 5225 York Road
- Southern Community Action Center -- 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor)
- Northwest Community Action Center -- 3939 Reisterstown Road
- Southeastern Community Action Center -- 3411 Bank Street
- Eastern Community Action Center – 1400 E. Federal Street
The Health Department’s CARE Services will operate five cooling centers. These centers will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday:
- Waxter Center -- 1000 Cathedral Street
- Oliver Center -- 1700 Gay Street
- Sandtown-Winchester Center -- 1601 Baker Street
- Hatton Center -- 2825 Fait Avenue
- John Booth -- 229 1/2 S. Eaton Street
- Zeta Center -- 4501 Reisterstown Road
Two private facilities unaffiliated with the City will open their doors on Tuesday:
- The Jewish Community Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is located at 5700 Park Heights Avenue.
- The Goodnow Community Center will open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is located at 5311 Goodnow Road.
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Code Red Heat Alert Information
The Health Commissioner declares a Code Red Heat Alert during periods of extreme heat. The decision to activate a 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.
Individuals can also call the City's 311 Call Center to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors 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 410-396-CARE (2273).
Baltimore Homeless Services will coordinate water distribution to people who are homeless throughout the city.
Cooling Centers
The Community Action Program will open the following cooling centers on Code Red Heat Alert Days. Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.
- Northern Community Action Center
5225 York Road
(410)396-6084 - Southern Community Action Center
606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor)
(410) 545-0900 - Northwest Community Action Center
3939 Reisterstown Road
(443) 984-1384 - Southeastern Community Action Center
3411 Bank Street
(410) 545-6510 - Eastern Community Action Center
1400 E. Federal Street
(410)396-9468
The Commission on Aging and Retirement Education will open the following five senior centers during a Code Red Heat Alert from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays only.
- Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
1000 Cathedral Street
(410) 396-1324 - Oliver Center
1700 Gay Street
(410) 396-4861 - Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center
1601 N. Baker Street
(410) 396-7724 - Hatton Center
2825 Fait Avenue
(410) 396-9025 - John Booth
229 1/2 S. Eaton Street
(410) 396-9202 - Zeta Center
4501 Reisterstown Rd.
(410) 396-3535
Tips on Staying 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 (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
- 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.
- Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
- Muscle cramps
- Cool and clammy skin
- Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Slurred Speech
- Hot, dry, flushed skin
- Rapid or slowed heart beat
- Seek medical help immediately if any of the above symptoms occur.
