With a heat index expected of between 101 and 104 degrees expected beginning tomorrow through the weekend, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen has issued a Code Red Heat Advisory for Thursday, July 20, 2017 through Sunday, July 23, 2017. The heat index is a measure of air temperature and relative humidity and indicates how hot it feels to individuals outside.
"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. "As Baltimore prepares for a fun weekend with one of the nation's largest free arts festivals, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated."
The Health Commissioner may declare a Code Red 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 declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors.
The Mayor's Office of Human Services' Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers tomorrow 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
- Southeastern Community Action Partnership Center 3411 Bank Street, (410) 545-6510
- Eastern Community Action Partnership Center 1400 E. Federal Street, (410) 545-0136
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. Thursday:
- 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) 396-7724
- 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 and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will extend pool hours.
For more information on Code Red, citizens can check the Health Department website[links.govdelivery.com], and the agency's social media accounts (@Bmore_Healthy [links.govdelivery.com]and on Facebook[links.govdelivery.com]).
City residents who want information on the closest cooling center or who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311.
