Posted on 07/18/19
| News Source: WBAL TV
BALTIMORE — The heat index values are forecast to be around 105 to 110 due to temperatures in the mid-90s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s this week.
Maryland health officials have reported four heat-related deaths so far this summer. The first heat-related death was reported July 3.
Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat alert for Tuesday to Sunday.
"Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. The effects of extreme heat are exacerbated in urban areas, especially when combined with high humidity and poor air quality," Dzirasa said in a statement. "Extreme heat is particularly dangerous to young children, older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. I encourage all residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors and pets."
In what is traditionally the hottest time of the year in the Baltimore region, Mother Nature is not letting us down.
Heat indexes of well over 100 degrees are forecasted for the rest of the week, into the weekend. If you think it's hot just taking a five minute walk in the heat, imagine fighting a fire in it, like a crew in Baltimore County.
"Our firefighters, once they're finished fighting the fire, they're sent through rehab. They're given water to hydrate as well as they get their vitals checked to make sure their blood pressure and vital signs are normal levels," said Nicholas Tyson, of the Baltimore County Fire Department.
Baltimore Gas and Electric announced it's first Energy Savings Day of 2019. Officials said customers could earn a credit on their next bill.
Area pools can get quite busy in this heat, although 11 News found a few city pools that still were not open, like the Modell Park pool in west Baltimore.
"Sorry, it's July 17. It should be open," said neighbor Beth Hawks.
Hawks, who lives near that pool, started an online campaign to get the pool open and it worked.
"And wonderful people came together and started reaching out to all the constituents and the city council and the mayor, and they're actually fixing the pool and it will be open by this weekend," said Hawks.
"We've seen an uptick in patients, particularly elderly patients, that are coming in with heat-related illnesses, exhaustion and confusion and some dehydration," said Dr. Neil Roy, ER Chairman at Sinai Hospital.
Emergency rooms around the city are getting busier as well, like at Sinai Hospital.
Doctors are warning people to take breaks if they need to be outside and to keep an eye on the very old and very young. "Biggest thing is staying hydrated while you're out there, lots of water, Gatorade's fine or any of the sports drinks as well," said Roy.
The Community Action Partnership Centers will open the following cooling centers on Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Health Department’s Division of Aging and CARE Services will also open the following locations as cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday:
Additionally, ShopRite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) will be open as a community cooling center during their regular hours Tuesday through Sunday. The Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will also extend pool hours.
During the Code Red Extreme Heat season, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends residents:
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms occur:
Officials said city residents who want cooling center information on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days can call 311. Individuals having a heat-related medical emergency or who are experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
Even on days when a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is not declared, it is important to take precautions, officials said.
The following Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities Senior Activity Centers will be open and designated as cooling centers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday:
The following Anne Arundel County Public Libraries will be open and designated as cooling centers from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday:
The following Anne Arundel County Police District Station Community Rooms will be available and designated as cooling centers from 11 a.m. Tuesday until 8 p.m. Sunday:
Residents requiring transportation to any cooling center should call the Office of Transportation during 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 410-222-0022.
Carroll County is also opening cooling centers during regular business hours Wednesday through Friday at Carroll County Senior Centers and the Department of Citizen Services.
All branches of the Carroll County Public Library System will be open as cooling centers during regular business hours Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Harford County is opening "cooling centers" at library branches from Wednesday through Sunday. All branches will be open as cooling centers for the days and hours listed below, with special Sunday hours from noon to 5 p.m. at the Bel Air and Aberdeen branches only.
The following branches will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The Darlington branch, located at 1134 Main St. in Darlington, will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday; from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.