Baltimore City Opens Cooling Centers
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger, Baltimore City is declaring Monday, May 30 and Tuesday, May 31, the first two Code Red Heat Alert days of the season.
Baltimore City will open emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air and free water.
The Community Action Program will operate four centers around the city. These centers will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday:
· Northern Community Action Center -- 5225 York Road
· Northwest Community Action Center -- 3939 Reisterstown Road
· Southeastern Community Action Center -- 3411 Bank Street
· Eastern Community Action Center - 1400 E. Federal Street
The Health Department's Office of Aging and CARE Services will operate additional cooling centers on Tuesday only. These centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
· Waxter Center -- 1000 Cathedral Street
· Oliver Center -- 1700 Gay Street
· Sandtown-Winchester Center -- 1601 Baker Street
· Hatton Center -- 2825 Fait Avenue
· John Booth -- 229 1/2 S. Eaton Street
· Zeta Center -- 4501 Reisterstown Road
"This Memorial Day weekend, as we come together with friends and families for picnics and ballgames, I urge everyone to stay hydrated and be mindful of how you feel while you're out in the sun," said Commissioner of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot. "We especially want to reach out to our seniors and vulnerable populations who are most at-risk during these events."
During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:
o Drink plenty of water or juice
o Avoid alcohol and caffeine
o Wipe skin with cool water as needed
o Reduce outside activities
o Wear light-weight and light-colored clothing
o Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
o Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
o Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat
o Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles, even for short periods of time
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
o Confusion
o Nausea
o Light-headedness
o High body temperature with cool and clammy skin
o Hot, dry, flushed skin
o Rapid or slowed heart beat
o Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur
"Residents who are concerned about a neighbor can call 311. Call 911 if you are having a heat-related emergency," said Baltimore City Fire Chief James Clack.
City residents who want information on the cooling centers can call 311, the city service line.
Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
