Baltimore Declares Code Red Heat Advisory For Thursday

By Staff Reporter
Posted on 07/13/17 | News Source: WBAL

The Baltimore City Health Department has declared a Code Red heat advisory Thursday with a heat index around 105 degrees expected.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for noon to 8 p.m. Thursday for areas east of the Interstate 95 corridor and Maryland's Eastern Shore. A heat advisory means that a period of high temperatures is expected. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity could create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Always keep Hatzalah's phone number handy (Hatzalah: 410.358.0000)

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"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," Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "With (Thursday's) extreme heat expected, it is important for all residents to protect against hyperthermia and dehydration. Please be cautious and remember to stay cool and hydrated."

During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that residents:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Reduce outside activities and stay inside in air-conditioned locations.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time.
• Check on older, sick, or frail neighbors who may need help responding to the heat.
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include: confusion; hot, dry, flushed skin or cool and clammy skin; lightheadedness; and nausea. Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

The Mayor's Office of Human Services' Community Action Partnership will open the following cooling centers Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

• Northern Community Action Partnership Center, 5225 York Road
• Southern Community Action Partnership Center, 60 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center, second floor)
• Northwest Community Action Partnership Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road
• Southeastern Community Action Partnership Center, 3411 Bank St.
• Eastern Community Action Partnership Center, 1400 E. Federal St.

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 St.
• Oliver Center: 1700 Gay St.
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center: 1601 N. Baker St.
• Hatton Center: 2825 Fait Ave.
• John Booth: 2601 E. Baltimore St.
• Zeta Center: 4501 Reisterstown Road

Additionally, Shoprite Howard Park (4601 Liberty Heights Ave.) will be open as a community cooling center during regular hours.

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks will extend pool hours.

Baltimore Gas and Electric is launching an Energy Savings Day Thursday. BGE typically schedules Energy Savings Days when an increased demand for electricity throughout the Mid-Atlantic region is anticipated.