COOLING CENTERS: A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be issued by the Health Commissioner when the forecasted heat index, a measure of air temperature and humidity, is greater than or equal to 105ºF. When the heat index is equal to or greater than 110F, the Health Commissioner may declare ‘Severe Code Red’ which opens additional cooling centers and other services. For more information about declarations contact 311.

A map of cooling centers can be found here https://baltimore.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=e630ac9462134ecb8a479bea9ad72fda¢er=-76.6186;39.3003&level=12

The Health Commissioner may also issue a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert when the heat index is 95F or higher AND air quality is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG) or higher as stated on www.airnow.gov.

When possible, the decision to declare a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be made by 3PM on the day before extreme heat is forecasted. Individuals unsure of whether a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is in effect can call 311 or visit the website for details, cooling center locations, safety tips, and health information. Individuals can also call 311 to report specific concerns about vulnerable neighbors on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days. Residents need to call 911 if someone is having a heat-related emergency. Information on declared Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days will be shared on the Health Department’s website, Health Department social media (Twitter: @Bmore_Healthy and Facebook: @BaltimoreHealth), the Baltimore City 311 line, the website, and local news media.

The Baltimore City Health Department recommends that City residents:
• Drink plenty of water, even if they are not thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Reduce outside activities.
• Stay inside during the hottest time of day (11AM to 4PM).
• 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.
• 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: confusion; nausea; light-headedness; high body temperature with cool and clammy skin; hot, dry, flushed skin; and; rapid or slowed heartbeat;
• Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Additional steps to prepare the home if it doesn’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 purchasing a window air conditioner and insulation.
• Take a cool bath and stay hydrated when temperatures increase indoors.

Cooling Center Services: All cooling centers are air-conditioned and will supply drinking water for residents in need during extreme heat events. Information regarding the number and location of cooling centers will be made available through local media and will also be given to 311 operators.

Primary Cooling Center sites are closed on City holidays and weekends except for ShopRite of Howard Park and MOHS sites.

TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS TO COOLING CENTERS: When cooling centers open, emergency transportation to and from cooling centers will be available for seniors age 60 and older through the CARE Taxi Card Program. Pre-enrollment is typically required for this program but is waived during the Code Red Extreme Heat season. The CARE Taxi Card Program contact is MJM management, 410-664-0700, 8AM – 5PM, Mon-Fri. http://www.caretaxicard.com/

People experiencing homelessness will be able to access cold water at all City funded emergency shelters and drop-in centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days. City funded shelters will allow their residents to shelter-in-place during Code Red Extreme Heat declarations.

Holiday Inn Express - Men's Shelter
1701 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 Not available 7/31

Weinberg Housing & Resource Center - Men's & Women's Shelter
600 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202, 11AM-5PM

Fairfield Inn - Women's Shelter
101 South President Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 Not available 7/31

Sarah's Hope Family Shelter
1114 North Mount Street, Baltimore, MD 21217 Not available 7/31

People Encouraging People - Outreach Office
4201 Primrose Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 Not available 7/31

Downtown Partnership - Outreach Office
20 South Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Not available 7/31

During Code Red alerts, Cooling Centers are available to people experiencing homelessness. Days and hours of availability vary by center and are detailed below. Wifi is available.

My Sisters Place Women's Center (women and children only)
17 West Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Everyday 10:30AM - 5:30PM

Manna House
435 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
Mon-Fri 11:30AM - 3PM

Beans & Bread
402 South Bond Street, Baltimore, MD 21231
Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM

Franciscan Center
101 West 23rd Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
Mon - Fri 10AM – 1PM

Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC)

620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202

Everyday 11AM – 5PM

Senior Centers open as cooling centers on Code Red Extreme Heat days, Mon-Fri, 9AM-7PM. Baltimore City Health Department Senior Centers are CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS.

Waxter Center for Senior Citizens
1000 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-396-1324 Not available  7/31

Harford Senior Center

4920 Harford Road

Baltimore, MD 21214

410-426-4009

Oliver Center Senior Center
1700 Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
410-396-3861

Hatton Senior Center
2825 Fait Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-396-9025

Zeta Center for Healthy and Active Aging
4501 Reistertown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-396-3535

Sandtown Winchester Senior Center

1601 Baker Street

Baltimore, MD 21217

410-396-7725

Additional Sites

Cherry Hill Homes
2700 Spelman Road

Baltimore MD, 21225
Mon-Fri, 8AM-4PM Not available 7/31

Brooklyn Homes

4140 10th Street

Baltimore, MD 21225

Mon-Fri, 8AM-4PM Not available 7/31

ShopRite of Howard Park - does not have WiFi

4601 Liberty Heights Avenue

Baltimore MD, 21207

Everyday 6AM-10PM

Zion Lutheran Church

400 East Lexington Street

Baltimore, MD 21202, Not available 7/31

Harbel Resiliency Hub

5807 Harford Road

Baltimore, MD 21214, Not available 7/31

Call 311 to confirm the latest cooling center hours and information.

Residents seeking relief from the heat can also visit their local Pratt Library branch. Bottled water will not be available at these locations.Baltimore City Health Department, Mayor's Office of Homeless Services, and Housing Authority of Baltimore City Cooling Center sites are closed on holidays. Additional cooling centers may be opened during an extended heat event. Call 311 for the latest cooling center hours and information.