Code Red Heat Alert – July 8 through July 10, 2007

Baltimore, MD (July 7, 2007) – Because of predicted high temperatures and potential danger according to the Baltimore Heat Watch Warning System, the Health Commissioner is declaring a Code Red Heat Alert for Sunday, July 8, 2007 through Tuesday, July 10, 2007.

Baltimore City is opening emergency cooling centers around the city at 11 am on Sunday, July 8. These centers will open at 9 am on Monday and Tuesday. Each center will have cool air, water, and ice available.Five cooling centers will be operated by the Housing Department Sunday through Tuesday. These centers are:

·Southeastern Community Action Center. 3411 Bank Street
Western Community Action Center. 1133 Pennsylvania Avenue
Northern Community Action Center. 5225 York Road.
Southern Community Action Center. 606 Cherry Hill Road - (inside the shopping center 2nd floor)
Northwest Community Action Center. 3314 Ayrdale Avenue.

Three centers will be operated by the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education on Monday and Tuesday. These centers are:
· Oliver Center. 1700 Gay Street
· Sandtown-Winchester Center. 1601 Baker Street
· Hatton Center. 2825 Fait Avenue.

Residents are encouraged to also visit Park and Recreation Centers.
The Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:
· Drink plenty of water or juice
· Avoid alcohol and caffeine
· Wipe skin with cool water as needed
· Reduce outside activities
· Wear light weight and light-colored clothing
· Stay inside during the hottest time of day
· Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
- confusion
- nausea
- light-headedness
- high body temperature with cool and clammy skin
· Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur
· Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations
· Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat

Messages on staying safe in the heat will be broadcast to attendees of the African-American Heritage Festival.

Any changes to the Code Red Heat Alert designation or plan will be noted at http://www.baltimorehealth.org/.City residents who want information on the cooling centers can call 311. Any city resident experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.

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