Baltimore, MD - May 14, 2026 — Today, City Administrator Faith Leach, joined by the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Department of Planning (DOP), Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP), and the Enoch Pratt Free Library, announced the official start of the Code Red Extreme Heat season, a coordinated, multi-agency effort to protect residents from the dangers of extreme heat.  

Effective May 15 through September 15, city agencies and partners are working together to ensure residents have access to cooling resources, critical information, and life-saving support. A Code Red Extreme Heat declaration will be made by the Commissioner of Health when the forecasted heat index – a measurement of air temperature and relative humidity that indicates how hot it is outdoors – is greater than or equal to 105°F.  

 “Extreme heat can be life-threatening, and we want to make sure all of our residents have what they need to stay safe this summer,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We’re especially focused on our most vulnerable residents, including older adults, young people, pregnant women, those experiencing homelessness, folks working outdoors, and those with underlying health conditions. As we move into Code Red Extreme Heat season, I encourage residents to check out the cooling centers and other resources we have available, and check on neighbors, friends, and loved ones.” 

Heat-related fatalities have outnumbered those caused by any other severe weather event in the U.S. over the past decade. During the 2025 heat season, Baltimore City experienced 14 Code Red Extreme Heat days and 8 heat-related deaths. It is important to note the effects of heat are cumulative, meaning that individuals can become ill after prolonged exposure to above-average temperatures.  

Those who are at greater risk include older adults, infants and children, pregnant people, individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and asthma, and people working or exercising outside. During periods of extreme heat, there is the potential for increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and stroke.   

“Baltimore continues to experience increasingly extreme temperatures, and we all have a role to play in preparing for and responding to dangerous heat conditions to keep our communities safe,” said Joey Henderson, Director of the Office of Emergency Management. “We’re working across agencies to deliver coordinated, comprehensive resources for residents this summer.”  

“Heat-related illness is preventable, but it requires awareness and action,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, Health Commissioner. “We encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak hours, and check on family members, neighbors and older adults. Public health is a shared responsibility, and small actions can save lives.”  

During Code Red Extreme Heat declarations, the Health Department works with city agencies and partners to activate cooling centers, coordinate outreach to older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, and share messaging about how to be protected from extreme heat. Information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days will be shared on the Health Department’s website, Health Department social media (Instagram: @BaltimoreHealth and Facebook: @BaltimoreHealth), the Baltimore City 311 line, and with local news media.   

“Baltimore City’s current emergency response to severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, large-scale snow events or high winds is robust,” said Ava Richardson, Director of the Baltimore Office of Sustainability. “This summer, we are mirroring our response and preparedness efforts for extreme heat events or prolonged heat waves to protect public health.” 

Residents are urged to prepare for extreme heat by assembling an emergency kit and preparing their homes for high temperatures, make a plan by identifying where and how you will stay cool during extreme heat, and stay informed by registering for BMORE Alerts (text BMOREALERT to 888777). 

Cooling centers will provide air-conditioned facilities and water to residents without access to cool spaces. A comprehensive list of these centers is accessible on BCHD’s website. Residents seeking relief from the heat are also encouraged to visit open Enoch Pratt Free Library locations during their normal business hours.     

City residents who want information on cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.   

City employees who are working outdoors or in hot conditions are encouraged to prioritize their health and safety. Workers can access designated City cooling centers during operating hours.  

The Baltimore City Health Department recommends that residents: 

• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty    
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Reduce outside activities
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) 
• Seek relief in air-conditioned locations 
• Check on older adults or sick people in your community who may need help in the heat   

 Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:  

• Confusion
• Nausea   
• Light-headedness
• High body temperature with cool and clammy skin    
• Hot, dry, flushed skin
• Rapid or slowed heartbeat 

  To keep infants and children safe:  

• Never leave your child alone in the car – even for a few minutes. A car can heat up quickly and become very dangerous.    
• Do not cover strollers with blankets. Even light covers can trap heat and make it too hot for your baby.    
• Make sure your baby sleeps safe: 
• Babies can get too hot while sleeping, especially in summer. Getting too hot can raise the risk of sleep-related infant death. Babies should sleep:
• Alone (not in bed with you or anyone else) 
• On their back
• In a crib or bassinet with nothing else in into pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals
• In a smoke-free space (no cigarettes, marijuana, or vaping near your baby) 
• Always leave your baby’s head uncovered during sleep. Hats or hoods can cause overheating.
• Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. A good rule of thumb: dress in the same number of layers you’d wear to sleep.
• Don’t wear blankets or thick sleepwear. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold, you can use a lightweight sleep sack instead of a blanket.
• Keep the room cool and let in fresh air if you can. A fan can help move air around the room—just don’t point it directly at your baby.
• If your baby wakes up hot and fussy, try using a cool, damp washcloth to gently wipe them down, which can help them cool off and settle back to sleep. 

 To keep pets safe:  

• Never leave your pets in a parked car. To keep them safe, leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can rise to a deadly 110 degrees. 
• Provide ample shade and water. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water.
• Limit exercise on hot days to early morning or evening hours. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on grass if possible.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke. Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Signs include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you believe your pet is suffering from heatstroke, take him or her to a veterinarian immediately. 

 If you don’t have air conditioning:  

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings.
• Considering making temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to place between windows and drapes. 
• With temperatures starting to climb, consider readying your household for summer by purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation. 
• Take a cool bath and stay hydrated when temperatures increase indoors.