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Code Red Heat Alert Information - Baltimore City Health Department

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Tue, 2013-07-16 15:55 — Kathy Gilbeaux

Overview

The health commissioner declares a Code Red Heat Alert during periods of extreme heat. The decision to activate a Code Red 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 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 morbidity.

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

Those without electricity are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems. Baltimore City health care providers can request energy assistance referral forms for their patients by calling 410-396-CARE (2273).

The Mayor's Office of Human Services will coordinate water distribution to people throughout the city who are homeless.

Cooling Centers

The Community Action Program will open the following cooling centers on Code Red Heat Alert days. Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.

  • Northern Community Action Center
    5225 York Road
    (410) 396-6084
  • Southern Community Action Center
    606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center 2nd floor)
    (410) 545-0900
  • Northwest Community Action Center
    3939 Reisterstown Road
    (443) 984-1384
  • Southeastern Community Action Center
    3411 Bank Street
    (410) 545-6510
  • Eastern Community Action Center
    1400 E. Federal Street
    (410)396-9468

The Health Department's Office of Aging and CARE Services will open the following senior centers during a Code Red Heat Alert from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays only.

  • Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
    1000 Cathedral Street
    (410) 396-1324
  • Oliver Center
    1700 Gay Street
    (410) 396-4861
  • Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center
    1601 N. Baker Street
    (410) 396-7724
  • Hatton Center
    2825 Fait Avenue
    (410) 396-9025
  • John Booth
    229 1/2 S. Eaton Street
    (410) 396-9202
  • Zeta Center
    4501 Reisterstown Rd.
    (410) 396-3535

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

Tips on Staying Cool

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 (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
  • 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

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.

  • Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke:
    • Confusion
    • Nausea
    • Light-headedness
    • Muscle cramps
    • Cool and clammy skin
  • Symptoms of heat stroke include:
    • Confusion
    • Hallucinations
    • Slurred Speech
    • Hot, dry, flushed skin
    • Rapid or slowed heart beat
  • Seek medical help immediately if any of the above symptoms occur.

http://baltimorehealth.org/coderedinfo#cool

Groups this Group Post belongs to: 
Emergency Management - NCR
Weather - NCR

Comments

Tue, 2013-07-16 16:12 — Kathy Gilbeaux

wbaltv.com - July 16, 2013

BALTIMORE —The first heat wave of the year has prompted the city of Baltimore to issue its code red alert, which will last from Tuesday through Friday.

Officials said people should make sure they stay cool and look out for elderly neighbors.

With heat indices expected in the triple digits this week, emergency departments around the area are preparing for more patients.

(WATCH NEWS VIDEO AND READ COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE)

howdy folks