Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Activated
Mary Beth Haller, Interim Health Commissioner, has issued a Code Red Extreme Heat alert for Baltimore City, as temperatures are forecast to exceed 100 degrees on Tuesday, July 8. The alert signals dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels that can pose a serious risk to health and safety, especially for vulnerable adults, children, and those who work outdoors. The alert activates emergency protocols to protect residents, employees, and visitors, and officials are encouraging all Baltimore residents to take precautions during the excessive heat. The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of the Cooling Centers reported one heat-related death in Baltimore City so far for the 2025 Code Red Extreme Heat season.
Enhanced Safety Protocols in Place
Enhanced safety protocols are in place to protect city employees, including sanitation crews, public works staff, and others working outdoors. The alert signals dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels that can pose a serious risk to health and safety, especially for vulnerable adults, children, and those who work outdoors. Mayor Brandon Scott stated, “As extreme heat conditions continue to impact our area, the Code Red Extreme Heat alert activates emergency protocols to protect our residents, employees and visitors. Excessive heat is not just uncomfortable, it is a serious health risk – especially for older adults, children, individuals with chronic health challenges, those who work or spend time outdoors, and pets.”
Cooling Centers Open
Residents seeking relief from the heat can visit open Pratt Library locations. The Baltimore City Health Department recommends during times of heat that city residents:
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Reduce outside activities
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
• Check on older adults and the sick in your community who may need help in the heat
Additionally, the following cooling centers will be activated for the Code Red Extreme Heat Declaration:
• ShopRite of Howard Park
• Oliver Senior Center
• Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center
• Hatton Senior Center
• Zeta Senior Center
• Harford Senior Center
• My Sister’s Place Women’s Center
• Manna House
• Beans & Bread
• Franciscan Center
• Weinberg Housing Resource Center
• Cherry Hill Homes
• Brooklyn Homes
Heat Safety Tips for Pets
BCHD also recommends keeping pets safe during the heat:
• Never leave your pets in a parked car. Keep them safe and leave them at home. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise extremely quickly. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can rise to a deadly 110 degrees
• Provide ample shade and water. Anytime your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water
• Limit exercise on hot days. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on grass if possible
• Watch for signs of heatstroke in pets. These include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, vomiting, unable to get up, and a deep red or purple tongue. If you see signs of heatstroke, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately
Additional Heat Safety Tips
The Baltimore City Health Department 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 and make it too hot for your baby. • Make sure your baby sleeps safe. Babies can get too hot while sleeping, especially in summer. Getting too hot can raise the risk of sleep-related infant death. • 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 use 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. The BCHD also recommends taking 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
• Considering 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
Get Cooling Center Information
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 signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
Stay Safe and Stay Cool
As the heat continues to rise, it is essential to take precautions and stay safe. The Baltimore City Health Department is committed to protecting the health and well-being of residents. By taking the necessary precautions and staying informed, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during this extreme heat alert.
