Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Information

Overview

The Health Commissioner declares a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert during periods of extreme heat. The decision to activate a Code Red Extreme 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 Extreme Heat Alert is in effect can call 311 for details. 311 operators will provide cooling center locations, safety tips, and information about warning signs for heat-related illness.

Individuals can also call 311 to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days. Call 911 if you are having a heat-related emergency.

Those without electricity are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems. City residents who need energy assistance can apply through the Maryland Department of Human Services' Energy Assistance Portal or call 1-800-332-6347. Older adults who need energy assistance can call 410-396-CARE (2273) for assistance. 

Residents can learn more about the Maryland Weatherization Assistance Program to support cooling systems for qualifying individuals, by calling (443) 984-1066. 

The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services will coordinate water distribution to people experiencing homelessness across the city .

Cooling Centers

Staff from several city agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management, the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services, and the Baltimore City Health Department, will coordinate the opening of cooling centers across the city to provide air-conditioned spaces and cool water for residents without access to air conditioning. 

 An interactive map of Cooling Centers can be found here.  

Hours and availability of cooling centers are subject to change. The following locations will serve as cooling centers:

Senior Centers* – open as cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS)* – open as cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days. Days and times vary per location.  

  • Beans & Bread
    400 S. Bond St. 
    Monday – Friday  
    9:00 AM – 4:00 PM  
  • My Sisters Place Women’s Center (open to women and children only)
    17 W. Franklin St.  
    Everyday including Sunday and holidays 
    7:30 AM – 5:00 PM  
  • Manna House
    435 E. 25th St.
    Monday – Friday  
    10:30 AM – 3:00 PM  
  • Franciscan Center  
    101 W. 23rd St.  
    Monday – Friday  
    10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  
  • Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)
    620 Fallsway 
    Everyday including Sunday and holidays
    9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  

Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC)* – open as a cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

  • Cherry Hill Homes
    2700 Spelman Road   
  • Brooklyn Homes
    4140 10th Street   

Community Cooling Centers

  • ShopRite of Howard Park  
    4601 Liberty Heights Ave.  
    Monday – Sunday  
    6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Zion Lutheran Church 
    400 E. Lexington St. 
    Tuesday - Thursday   
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • HARBEL
    5807 Harford Rd. 
    Monday – Friday
    9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

*All Baltimore City Health Department Senior Centers, Housing Authority of Baltimore City, and select Mayor's Office of Homeless Services cooling center sites are closed on city holidays.

If you are interested in becoming a community cooling center to support local residents, email us at ophpr@baltimorecity.gov. 

Libraries as Cool Air Spaces

Residents are also encouraged to visit open Pratt Library locations during normal business hours to seek relief from the heat. 

Tips on Staying Cool

During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends City 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
  • Nausea

Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

BCHD recommends keeping infants and children safe:

  • Never leave your child alone in the car. Even for a few minutes, a car can heat up fast and become very dangerous.
  • Do not cover strollers with blankets. Even light covers can trap heat, making it too hot for your baby.
  • Make sure your baby sleeps safely.
  • 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 it - no 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 them 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. That can help them cool off and settle back to sleep. 

For more information about women, infants, and children, please visit The Baltimore City Health Department's website for Maternal and Child Health.

BCHD recommends keeping persons safe while using substances:

  • People using substances are at high risk for dehydration, heat stroke, and accidental overdose.
  • Extreme heat can cause significant stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart-related emergencies.
  • Alcohol and various substances can lead to rapid fluid loss increasing heat-related illness of death.
  • For safety and prevention:
    • Hydrate frequently
    • Stay in the shade or places with air conditioning
    • Monitor the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Additional steps to prepare your home if you don’t have air conditioning:

  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings.
  • Consider 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.

Additional cooling centers may be opened during extended heat events. Please call 311 before leaving home for the latest cooling center hours and information.

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