Extreme Heat Alert Information

CODE RED STATUS: INACTIVE

The Baltimore City Health Commissioner issues a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert when the forecasted heat index, a measure of air temperature and relative humidity that indicates how hot it feels outside, is greater than or equal to 105ºF. 

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has developed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan to aid in the coordination of efforts between the Baltimore City Health Department, Office of Emergency Management, and service providers within the Continuum of Care (CoC) to provide cooling center information, cold water access, and other vital, life-saving services for Baltimore residents experiencing homelessness during Code Red season.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan is in effect from May 15, 2026, to September 15, 2026.

A red and orange hazy picture of Baltimore City

MOHS Code Red Plan

The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan is in effect from May 15, 2026, to September 15, 2026.

Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan


Code Red Resources: 3-1-1

Individuals unsure of whether a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is in effect can call Baltimore City 311 Services for clarification. 311 operators will also provide residents with cooling center locations, safety tips, and other information about warning signs for heat-related morbidity. Individuals can also call 3-1-1 to report concerns about vulnerable neighbors on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days.

 

MOHS Cooling Centers

When a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is issued, the following Continuum of Care (CoC) providers will operate as cooling centers. All cooling centers besides WHRC provided lunch. Days and hours of availability vary and are detailed below:

OrganizationAddressHours of Operation
My Sister’s Place Women’s Center – Women & Children17 W. Franklin St., Baltimore, MD 21201Monday - Sunday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Manna House435 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218Monday - Friday,
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Beans & Bread400 S. Bond St., Baltimore, MD 21231Monday - Friday,
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Franciscan Center101 W. 23rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218Monday - Friday,
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202Monday - Sunday,
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

All Cooling Centers will provide cold water and charging stations. Some location will also provide lunch or snacks at various times.

*My Sister's Place and WHRC will be open if Code Red is declared on a national holiday. Please call 311 for the latest cooling center hours and information.

Baltimore City Cooling Centers

Baltimore City Cooling Centers are available to all Baltimore residents, including those experiencing homelessness. Residents may also visit open Pratt Library locations during normal business hours to seek relief from the heat. 

View an Interactive Map of Baltimore City Cooling Centers


Cold Water Distribution

On Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days, MOHS Outreach Teams will coordinate cold water distribution to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout the city. The following emergency shelters and community outreach offices will also have cold water onsite during these days:

Organization
Address
Holiday Inn Express - Men's Shelter221 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Fairfield Inn - Women's Shelter101 S. President St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) - Men & Women's Shelter620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202
Sarah's Hope Family Shelter1114 N. Mount St., Baltimore, MD 21217
People Encouraging People - Outreach Office4201 Primrose Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore - Outreach Office20 S. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201

Safety Tips

Share these resources with your network to help vulnerable residents stay safe during extreme heat.

Tips on Staying Cool

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Signs of Heat Illness

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Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD)

BCHD leads a multiagency group to coordinate Baltimore City’s approach to support residents during Code Red season.

Call 911

Call 911 if you are experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses.

Code Red Extreme Heat Info

Baltimore City Health Department

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